Manawatu Evening Standard. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 1940 VICTIMS OF NAZISM.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 112, 10 April 1940, Page 6

Manawatu Evening Standard. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 1940 VICTIMS OF NAZISM.

“We are now tightening up the blockade and we Shall see what Germany will do,” said General Sir Edmund Ironside in his memorable interview of some days ago. Hitler has answered the challenge by another dastardly crime against two weak nations, an example of blitzkrieg that surpasses everything lie has yet done in violation of all that civilisation cherishes. From several parts of Germany early yesterday morning troops poured across land and sea to occupy Denmark and Norway. So skilfully and secretly were v the movements carried out that they were obviously the sequel to plans vyell laid and ready for execution when Hitler gave the word. More than ever is it clear that had the Allied Governments not decided to mine the Norwegian coast the German invasion would have proceeded according to schedule. The war now has been extended to Scandinavia on the pretext, the flimsiest possible, of “German protection” to “counter actions against Denmark and Norway, and to prevent possible hostile attacks against those countries.” Never were they in danger of Allied aggression; that they knew full well. But they failed to realise, much as they must have apprehended trouble, the lengths to which Hitler would go in preventing these two countries from giving supplies to the Allies. Counting national honour before submission to the Nazi demands Norway refused to accept this “protection” and became at 'war with the monster that is Germany. Denmark had no choice but to submit, so swift was the attacking movement. In typical Nazi manner each State has been told for what it is worth that its territorial integrity and political independence are safe; Scandinavia has been saved from annihilation and North Europe from the ravages of war. Such is the barren excuse for this terrible example of violated neutrality. Hitler’s action is plainly to be understood. He is determined to be possessed of Scandinavia’s resources. The manner in which Narvik, Bergen, and other places were occupied shows how cunningly the plot was hatched and consummated. The Allied blockade may have hastened it but not over much; the' evidence is far too clear. These iron ores are precious to Germany; they must be secured at all costs, apd so Norway has been the victim of an aggressive act. which imprisons Sweden, and to make it effective Denmark has been occupied. It is not inconceivable the Allies knew this to be pend-

ing when they mined the Norwegian waters. The fate of Norway, however, has not been allowed to pass without swift action from the Allies and the news that we publish to-day, which will require a little time before it is clarified, shows that aid has already been given effectively. Norway lias become an ally, even though her country has been occupied and she is a weak nation, but she brings to the Allied cause the sympathy of every country that lias not disowned civilisation, and that is a powerful stimulant to the war against Germany. The fate of Scandinavia to-day may be Holland’s and Belgium’s to-morrow. Indeed, Germany hints at this in bold words and another blitzkrieg may happen at any time. Ominous events are apparently also taking place in the Balkans with Hungary the focal point. The spring is advancing in Europe and it may be said now that the war has taken a turn in which events of the greatest moment may be expected after months of comparative inactivity.