19 APRIL 1940, Page 14

The Allies' Task " It is clear that the Allies

are now incontestably masters of the North Sea, which means that the German occupation of Norwegian ports cannot be maintained long. It is equally clear that Germany no longer commands the Baltic."— Journal de Geneve.

" Whilst the first phase impressed the world with the seedy action of the Germans, the second phase gives a clearer picture, and the Germans' attempted occupation may have negative results owing to the impossibility of transport and the landing of sufficient troops."—Mir (Bulgaria).

" The Allied operations aiming to expel the Germans must be concentrated at Trondheim or Bergen in the heart of Norway. The most important factor is whether Germany can reinforce her army in Norway.. The sea route is practically blocked and only small numbers of troops can be moved. The air presents bigger possibilities, and large numbers of troops can be transported from Jylland—possibly 9,000 a day, or at least 5,000. Thus, in one week, 35,00e can be sent, but supplies form a difficult problem, although transport is obtainable in Norway."—Aftonbladet (Sweden).