The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-04-10
NORWAY is STILL
FIGHTING NAzIS
Major Battle Is Develop
ing Today Near Village
of ScOgIund
BY PETER C. RHODES

United Press Staff Correspondent
Abisko, Norwegian-SwediSh From
tier, April 10.-UP)-A major battle
between NorwegianS and Germans
was reported developing today near
the village of Scoglund, where. the
NorwegianS were in strong de9en-
sive positions against German forces
landed on the coast south of from
soc.
According to messages received at
the frontier, the port of Tromsoe
still was in the hands Of Norwegians
and could be used as a base for
landing of Allied troops if they seek
to advance overland toward the Ger
man forces at Narvik.
Norwegian sources expressed the
belief that the battle might be a
decisive one for the entire northern
area.
The countryside was swept by a
blizzard-like storm yesterday but
the weather was clear again today
and the Germans were in strong
positions at Narvik, where British
naval forces were reported to have
made an unsuccessful attack on the
harbor.
Withdrew Inland
Norwegian forces in the Narvik
zone withdrew inland while British
warships were attempting to bottle
up the coast off Narvik.
Reports reaching the frontier said
that fighting was developing inland
from Herjangsfjord, where a COM
paratively large Norwegian force
blocked the highway after with
drawing out of range Of the Ger.
man naval guns.
Advices received here indicated
that the Germans were being op-
posed at two points. The second
point was near the village of Scog-
lund, where the road switches up
to a mountain pass and where the
Norwegians were in a strong defen-
sive position.
Details were lacking and it was
difficult to estimate the numbers in
volved or the possibility Of a major
battle, but Norwegians believed that
the Scoglund clash might develop
into defense of Tromsoe which
would be to the Allied advantage
if they move in swiftly.
The number of Germans occupy
ing Narvik was estimated at around
$500. They were reported to have
only 10 hydroplanes at Narvik at
present but others we're expected
from Germany. Only hydroplanes
can operate out of Narvik because
of the hills.
About 542 Norwegians were lost
when German warships stormed the
harbor at Narvik yesterday.
The fighting in north-centrar
Norway. around Narvik, was for pos
session of the Norwegian railroads
into Sweden.
Keypoints of Fight
The keypointS at the moment ap-
peared to be Narvik and Trondheim.
where the railroads lead across the
mountain barriers between Norway
and Sweden.
The NorWegianS were anXiously
awaiting the reaction of Sweden
One soldier with whom l talked
asked, What will Sweden do? II
she comes with several hundred
troops we will re-take Narvik quick
ly."
The citizens of Narvik were be-
ing treatd fairly by the Germans.
but within the strict limits OF mill
tary rule.
Within an hour after the land
ing the commander of the German
force issued an appeal to the public
which apparently had been printed
in Germany before the departure
OF the expeditionary force. 1t said:
"Norwegians: To oppose the Bri-
fish plans for invasion of Norway
Germany has decided to take over
Denmark and Norway. Troops wear
ing the same green uniforms as the
Norwegian soldiers do not come as
enemies, but as northern brothers,
you will guard your own free
dom and we will stay only so long
as necessary to defeat the enemy
who is attempting to crush the bulk
Of us. So long as the population
remains calm and does not make
any opposition we shall treat you
fairly and as brothers. We do not
intend to interfere in your private
or official life"