Chapter 202 Compromise in Norway

With Denmark secured, the massive air fleet continued its journey northwest towards Norway. To facilitate this long-distance flight, many short-legged bombers carried no bombs and, in some cases, even attached auxiliary fuel tanks.

Norway, a Nordic country, had maintained a peaceful stance since declaring independence from the Sweden-Norway Union in 1905. In the aftermath of the outbreak of World War II, Norway, along with Sweden and Denmark, declared immediate neutrality, adhering to the traditional policy upheld by Scandinavian countries since the mid-19th century. They had followed a similar course during the First World War, emerging unscathed and reinforcing their commitment to neutrality.

At the onset of the war, Germany issued a declaration respecting Norway's territorial integrity but sternly warned against any third party violating the country's neutrality. Norway's neutrality was advantageous for Germany at the beginning of the conflict.

Germany's main sources of iron ore were the Ruhr Industrial Region and Sweden. It was estimated that Germany consumed 15 million tons of iron ore annually, with 11 million tons imported from Sweden. If Germany lost the support of Swedish iron ore, its military-industrial complex would cease to function, hindering Germany's ability to provide logistical support for its external expansion.

Therefore, the transportation route for Swedish iron ore was vital for Germany. Typically, iron ore was shipped from the Baltic Sea to Germany, but during the winter when the Baltic Sea froze, the ore had to be transported by land from the Yellvale mines in Sweden to the port of Narvik in Norway before being shipped back to Germany.

As long as Norway maintained its neutrality, German ships transporting iron ore could freely enter and exit the port, sailing along the country's west coast. This route was well-protected by numerous islands, ensuring safety. Moreover, this route made it difficult for Britain to blockade Germany, as German ships could navigate along Norway's extensive coastline north of the Arctic Circle before entering waters where the British navy could not maintain rigorous patrols. Therefore, Norway's neutrality was beneficial for Germany.

Additionally, Norway possessed a coastline stretching over 21,000 kilometers, serving as a vital chokepoint from the Baltic Sea to the North Sea and the Atlantic. In the First World War, German warships were blockaded by British ships in the Baltic Sea, and the open-sea fleet was unable to leave. German naval officers unanimously believed that gaining a military base in Norway could break the blockade and open up broad maritime passages for the German fleet.

As the eve of World War II approached, countries like England and France adopted a policy of appeasement towards expansionist powers. As a nation with limited comprehensive strength, Norway adhered to a policy of neutrality, hoping to avoid attacks from both warring parties. However, due to the crucial geographical significance, Norway eventually became a battleground for the power struggle between England, France, and Germany.

It is often said that "weak countries have no diplomacy", but this does not mean that weak countries should give up their dignity. Weak countries also have the courage to uphold national dignity. Due to the significant respect for the Norwegian royal family among the people, during the war, German envoy Broyer tried to persuade King Haakon VII to cooperate with Germany, but he was sternly rejected.

King Haakon VII said, "A nation that submits to foreign aggression is not worth living." Subsequently, King Haakon VII led the Norwegian royal family and government officials to exile in England with the retreating Allied forces, forming an exiled government and resisting the German occupation of Norway.

The Norwegian military in England organized the Norwegian Brigade and air squadrons, participating in the Battle of the Atlantic and air battles over England and continental Europe. The Norwegian merchant fleet played a crucial supporting role for the Allies, comprising over 1,000 ships with a total tonnage of 4 million tons. The local people of Norway, under the leadership of the "Homeland Front", engaged in heroic resistance against the German occupation, imposing significant constraints on the occupiers.

Wilhelm, of course, knew the character of Haakon VII. Under his special attention, Haakon VII and his only child, Olaf, had both tragically passed away five years earlier. The current King of Norway was Friedrich VIII and Princess Louise of Sweden's third son; namely, Haakon VII's brother, Christian Carl Friedrich.

"What does your country mean by this?!" In the palace of Oslo, the capital of Norway, King Christian stared at the German envoy with a face full of anger and questioned, "Our two countries have always lived peacefully. How can your country declare war on a neutral nation?"

The German envoy smiled slightly. "Your Majesty, there's a misunderstanding. We haven't declared war on your country. We just want to help Norway escape the clutches of England and France."

King Christian laughed sarcastically, "Help us? Sending hundreds of bombers – is that to help us or to flatten us? I warn you, once those planes enter Dutch airspace, we will counterattack decisively."

The German envoy remained calm, "Sending those planes is just to show your country that we have the strength to protect you. As for counterattacks, please think twice, Your Majesty. If your country initiates an attack, our air fleet will retaliate without hesitation. You can imagine the destruction such a massive fleet can cause to cities and how many Norwegian lives would be lost under the bombs. As long as your country remains sensible, I can guarantee not a single bomb will fall on your people."

"Oh, by the way, our submarine fleet is already lurking near your country's various ports. I presume you've heard of our submarine fleet's great victory. Once the order to attack is given, they will sink all ships in the ports."

King Christian's mouth twitched uncontrollably, and a hint of fear flickered in his eyes. He had indeed heard about this, initially thinking it was German boasting, but to his surprise, the same news was later broadcast by the British radio, truly shocking him. In fact, it shocked the entire world.

Norway has a coastline extending over 21,000 kilometers, with numerous natural harbors. Fishing and maritime trade have been the pillars of Norway's economy since ancient times. Once these ports are attacked by German submarines, the consequences are unimaginable.

Seizing the opportunity, the German envoy continued, "Furthermore, Your Highness, I assure you that this protective measure will be in effect for a maximum of three years. After three years, our troops will withdraw entirely, leaving not a single soldier behind."

"Really?" King Christian blurted out unconsciously.

The German envoy, with utmost seriousness, replied, "Certainly, Your Highness. Our word is our bond. I also brought a formal letter of commitment from our sovereign." Saying so, he took out a document from his briefcase and handed it to King Christian.

King Christian remained silent for a moment, instructing, "Notify the anti-aircraft units across the country not to act recklessly for now." Afterward, he carefully examined the document.

"You plan to station 400,000 troops?!" King Christian opened his mouth wide, looking at the German envoy in disbelief. Considering Norway's population is around 4 million, the Germans intended to station military forces equivalent to a tenth of the population?

Seeing the German envoy nodding in silence, King Christian continued reading the document. "During the garrison, all expenses will be borne by the German side, and the facilities built will be transferred to the Norwegian government free of charge after three years." This clause was not bad.

Reading through several more provisions, they seemed acceptable, especially the last one. "Germany pays an annual garrison fee of ten tons of gold?!" Ten tons of gold, while perhaps a small amount for a country's finances, was still a substantial figure.

The German envoy spoke, "Are you satisfied, Your Majesty? Our sovereign has only one request – he does not want to see anyone in your country secretly colluding with the enemies of Germany, plotting against us in the background. Once discovered, we won't be lenient!"