Wilhelm Mohr

PART IV – 9 April – From the Past to the Future
our domestic political debate the war was simply narrowed down to a
power struggle between the Great Powers, which it was better to stay
out of. One did not appear to even glance towards a conclusion either
– as if a winning side with democratic ideals as opposed to a totalitarian
rule was of little significance to us. This may suggest a lack of character
in the matter, or perhaps a kind of cowardice. After all, we knew
England and they knew us, so that was ’tolerable’, but we needed to
be careful with Germany. The political position of neutrality had got
us through last time [i.e. WWI], when we had benefited from indirect
protection. This time, we also had the League of Nations to lean on.
The second issue is of a different character, and is related to the
nature of politics versus what is really in the deeper interests of a society.
Again, it feels strange to observe the political debate and the distinct
lack of understanding of what one was willing to put our young people
through if, despite everything, our society needed to call on them. I
want to emphasize this point, as this is the issue I am least inclined to
forgive our then nation’s political leadership. Other parties must also
shoulder their part of this burden.
When it comes to the war in Norway, I do not share the unconditional
sense of the Government’s greatness that has been expressed
elsewhere. When, early in the morning of 9 April 1940, Foreign Minister
Koht dismissed the German envoy, and the Government did their
part accordingly, a healthy national response was displayed. Unfortunately,
this was not followed up in a manner that our Defence Forces
needed, because is it not the case that the Defence Forces are subservient
to the political will The fact that the people were also forgotten
and Quisling had his chance is a separate matter.
The sinking of Blucher at Oscarsborg [just south of Oslo], which
provided room to manoeuvre, and the efforts of C. J. Hambro, both
ensured the element of choice. The fact that the situation was debated
within the political circles, by then at Hamar, was only natural. This was
the moment when Nygårdsvold realized his perceived reality had been
shattered, felt the gravity of a failed policy, and wished to be relieved
of further governmental duties. It was, however, the Government that
late at night in Elverum recommended that the Parliament conduct
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