GERMAN EFFORT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 September 1943, Page 4

GERMAN EFFORT

TO SEAL OFF DENMARK • FROM REST OF WORLD MORE DETAILS OF REVOLT. BRIEF BUT BLOODY RESISTANCE. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.35 a.m.) LONDON, August 31. The Germans, doing their utmost to seal off Denmark from the rest of the world, are increasing their air and sea blockade between Sweden and Denmark and have suspended the air lines between Denmark and Switzerland. Danish refugees are still trickling through the German cordon in small boats, but it is difficult to get news from them, because they are placed under strict guard on arrival at Stockholm. Some of those interned are most unwilling to talk for fear of German reprisals on their families, which is enhanced by the suspicion that German spies are numerous in Sweden. Nevertheless it is learned that clashes between the Danes and Germans continue, especially in Copenhagen. The death roll is stated to be mounting, as the Germans try to enforce martial law to check the wave of sabotage and unrest. The picture, pieced together from fragments given by the refugees, is one of brief but bloody resistance in several centres which was quickly crushed, after which general strikes broke out in at least nine cities. The fate of King Christian, the Royal Family and Government officials is the subject of conflicting reports. The German News Agency announced that the Danish Army and Navy had been disarmed. The Swedish Government has announced that Danish military, officials and civilians will be treated as political refugees and interned for a short period until housing and employment have been arranged. Sweden takes the I view that the Danes are not from a belligerent country.