Norway passed through several distinct phases. Prior to the invasion
the Norwegians scoffed at those who spoke of the German danger. What possible excuse could Hitler make for attacking so harmless a country? That was the first phase. The second phase was one of complete bewilderment at the sudden onslaught of the German army and surprised rage at the conduct of Vidkun Quisling and his herd. With the col- lapse of resistance and the defeat of the British Expeditionary Force there ensued a phase of despair, which culminated in July, when it seemed that indeed all Europe lay at Hitler's mercy. Had the Germans at that date behaved with modera- tion or insight they might well have secured that collaboration which they desired. The King and the Nygaardsvold Govern- ment were in exile and the members of the Storting were uncertain and disunited. Hitler made two major mistakes. He insisted on the reinstatement of Quisling and the deposition of King Haakon. The innermost feelings of the Norwegian people were outraged and inflamed. Then came the Battle of Britain and the great Churchill speeches upon the wireless. Hope revived. By threats and cajolery, by promises and bullying- the Germans again sought to obtain the collaboration of the Norwegian parliament and people. They failed. " The Norwegian people," writes Professor Worm-Muller, "have preserved their -sense of dignity and honour, and they .can still laugh." The incompetence of the German civil service, the rapacity of German exactions destroyed all belief in the feasibility of Hitler's New Order. And while the Norwegians watch and wait, the confidence of the German armies of occu- pation is slowly being sapped. This admirable account is not a picture of Norway alone: it is a picture of all Europe.
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