WITHDRAWAL FROM NAMSOS

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 188, 6 May 1940, Page 9

WITHDRAWAL FROM NAMSOS

Norwegian’s Criticism Of Allies MOVE TO ESTABLISH PEACE By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. LONDON, May 3. The evacuation of the British and French forces from Namsos had scarcely been completed when the Norwegian regional commander, Colonel Obgetz, issued the following order of the day: “As the British and French have withdrawn their troops from Namsos, we stand alone against the entire German war machine. Already outflanked and encircled, we are without aid from outside. With only enough ammunition for one day, and without planes and other necessayy war materials, any further fighting would only lead to destruction, without serving any military purpose. I am therefore notifying the German High Command to make contact with us for the purpose of establishing peace in the Trondelag district, as was done in the southern part of the country. It is my heavy duty, as acting commander in the Trondelag area, to give this notice to the soldiers under my command.” ■Colonel Obgetz appended the following note: “It wns an incomprehensible action by the British and French, without notifying me, to lay open my flanks and rear, cutting me off from any possible retreat toward Mosjoen.” Norwegian resistance after the evacuation had been bitter and gallant. The Allied embarkation was accompanied by a terrible German air bombardment which killed six civilians, demolished the quay, and razed the town. The British began to embark last night and the French on Wednesday. Earlier reports indicated that the Norwegians contested the German advance from Stenkjaar yard by yard, and it was hoped that a successful rearguard action could be fought northward to Mosjoen and Mo.