KING OF NORWAY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 117, 16 April 1940, Page 7

KING OF NORWAY.

TARGET FOR NAZI BOMBS. MOVING APPEAL MADE. STOCKHOLM, April 14. King Haakon of Norway lias issued a proclamation appealing to Norwegians to save the freedom and independence of the fatherland. “A powerful antagonist has not refrained from bombing peaceful people,” the proclamation states. “Cities, towns, women and children have been subjected to death and inhuman sufferings. “I cannot tell you where I, the Crown Prince, and the Government are staying. The German forces directed a violent attack against us while we were staying at a small unfortified, unprotected place. Higli explosive and incendiary bombs and ma-chine-gun fire were used against civilians in tlie most ruthless and brutal manner. “The assailants could have had only one motive—to annihilate all of us assembled to decide questions for the best; future of Norway.” The British Foreign Office announces: “The Norwegian Government has informed the British Government that German aircraft evidently have orders' to attack the King of Norway personally, as they are bombing each successive place in which he stays. This action follows the refusal of King Haakon to negotiate in person with the German Minister at Oslo.” NEARLY SURRENDERED. The News-Chronicle’s Stockholm correspondent reveals that Norway’s decision to fight was for some time in the balance. King Haakon refused the Government’s resignation and the Government asked the Storting (Parliament) for powers to negotiate an agreement with Germany. Three negotiators were appointed to go to Oslo when news came of how a handful of Norwegian soldiers had repulsed German soldiers pursuing King Haakon. Meanwhile the puppet government was created, and these incidents turned tbe scale. Norway decided to fight. President Lebrun, of France, lias sent King Haakon a "message assuring him of France’s most complete assistance.