Wilhelm Mohr

Wilhelm Mohr. On World War II
negotiations with the Germans, and suggested a three-man body for
that purpose. The Government received Parliament’s backing. It also
received the so-called ’Elverum’s-Authority’. 37
On 10 April the armed skirmishes at Midtskogen [close to Elverum,
north of Oslo] had yet again provided the Government with a breathing
space. Once again, the German ultimatum to surrender was received,
but that time also with the provision that Quisling should be installed
as Head of the Government. The Government responded negatively,
which was somewhat remarkable in a situation that was continually
deteriorating. The natural reflex of the first ’no’ was no longer the case.
Much had already been lost and there was little hope. Was it an instinct
from the inner depths that prevailed At the same time, the attitude
of the King seems unequivocal – notably his role within constitutional
limitations, and how, by his unique leadership, he still managed to exercise
his influence. There is greatness over the decision that was to have
such widespread consequences. Hence, we do not need to forget what
sound attitudes and actions could have spared the nation. I will leave it
at that. In any case, it was, to quote Stephan Zweig, ’History’s eternal
moment’. Our history’s eternal moment.
On a personal level, I came to England, where gradually more Norwegian
personnel gathered with time. Our hope was to receive new
material and go to North Norway. This soon turned out to be impossible.
The Government and a defence leadership established themselves
in London. The attitude was somewhat reactive, as the future appeared
uncertain: What if Germany were to win The Navy experienced a ’No’
to participating with fitted vessels for the evacuation at Dunkerque.
The Royal Air Force needed pilots for the looming showdown. On our
part, a training camp was established in Canada. When we left it felt
like we were taking the water buckets with us while the barn was almost
37 In Norwegian: `Elverumsfullmakten’. With the Prime Minister, the Government and
members of the Norwegian Parliament trying to escape the German attack on 9 April 1940,
Elverumsfullmakten was an authority that empowered the Government to act on behalf of
Parliament until Parliament was able to convene once again. The Norwegian Parliament
did not formally convene until after WWII.
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