NATION OF ICICLES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 May 1941, Page 6

NATION OF ICICLES

DENMARK SNUBS NAZI INVADERS. KING CONTINUES DAILY RIDE. Formerly the most exuberant of the Scandinavian people, the Danos have transformed themselves since the German occupation into "a nation of icicles," writes a special correspondent of the "Nya Dag Hgt Allehanda.” His article, cables the Stockholm correspondent of "The New York Times," clearly shows that the hatred and resistance of Danes, though taking different forms, are no weaker than those of Poles or Norwegians. Though occasionally fights occur between Danes and Germans, what the correspondent calls the “neo-Danish style," their way of showing the Germans what they think about the invaders. is different. It is chilliness. "Not a single German of the occupation forces has succeeded in being admitted to a private home,” says the correspondent. "The art of not seeing German soldiers, of seeming to look through them, lias reached the rank of masterpiece. The fact is that Germans find themselves in Denmark and also completely outside it without having the slightest ground to complain." The correspondent quotes conversations with German soldiers wb.o declared they were in Poland and Norway. constantly risking a knife in the back, but found the atmosphere in Denmark much worse. "This chilly correctness in the smallest details gets on their .nerves and destroys morale." the correspondent adds: "It is unbearable." The writer believes most of the moral strength of the Danish people i derives from their absolute union I round King Christian, who is said to j resist German demands as much as i possible and is respected by the invad- [ ers. The article continues: "Denmark is the King and the King is Denmark. In its patriotic royalism. | Denmark is one of the most united na-1 lions in the world." The Danes attach enormous importance to the King’s daily horseback ride through the streets of Copenhagen. This habit of years was resumed the day after the occupation when Christian informed the chief of the invading forces that he intended to rid:? and would not tolerate the slightest interference from Gorman soldiers. "Tiie King's morning ride is for j Danes proof that the Danish kingdom ■ still exists.” says the Swedish ciutcs-i pondent. "That is why Danos crowd the streets when the King' rides. And | knowing the symbolic significance his | “ide has acquired the King never miss- j os the rendezvous however cold the I wind or rain." 1