Evening star., 1940-04-25

'hn Paul Jones Statue to the old
head of Washington Channel, Is
the experience of visiting a German
headquarters during an invasion.
The people were leaving town all
night and today and young men
went into the hills apparently to
ski, but (really) to be modified.
They all went very willingly. The
Germans have not single friend in
this town. They have all had secret
orders.
Motorcycles Requisitioned.
The Germans have requisitioned
all private motorcycles rs 1 have
been trying without luck to hire one
to 60 back and forth to the ship.
The railroads are not now reliable,
but private detective arranged for
me to have a car. Gas has been
rationed and have been told that
the food may last a month.
God knows what these poor people
will do then.
April II at Homellvik-Went into
Trondheim and German headquar-
ters again to try and get in touch
with outside. Was told that it could
not then be done. but that they were
trying to make connections and
would I come back at pm. Bought
some films today as I managed to
get my camera out. The Germans
expect some action today. They
seem to be worried and tense. So do
the people. They are all crowding
out Of town and into the country
1t is pity to see all the families in
buses and trucks and some on bicy-
cles and some on foot going along
the road. I brought some small
United States flags in case there was
some fighting.
Met the same German officers to-
day. They all tried to be very pleas
ant. 1 also spoke to captain of the
Norwegian Navy. He tells me that he
is sure that the forts have been
taken. He expects trouble any min
ute.
All are with the allies and against
the German aggressors. The stores
must accept the German marks. One
mark equals k160 (about 37la cents,
American money!. The Germans
asked me if I had any bananas I
could sell them. All stores are closed.
Newspapers are controlled by the
Germans, the editor of one told me.
Went to the Hotel Britannia for
lunch. 1t is deserted. only one old
walter. I had to 60 to the kitchen
Tor him. Everybody hopefully awaits
the British.
NO use. Cannot phone today.
April IL at Homellvik-I decided
not to discharge or load, as the less
l do the less I will be bothered by
the Germans. I heard on N. B. c..
radio that we could not carry anv
passengers back, so must contact
consul at Stockholm.
Crowds Were Silent.
Saw several British prisoners taken
from buses to lifeboats, then to q
German transport in the bay, sup
posed to have landed some troops
today. Crowds of Norwegians were
watching, but were very silent. It
was like funeral. After the prisoners
were IN the boats some of the crowd
waved to them. These prisoners
were of the ship that was in the
dry dock. Saw some German soldiers
marching through the town singing
German marching songs.
While I was at the Trondheim
of1ice this am. I was told that
person saying that he was a Capt.
Tornberg Of the Royal Swedish Air
Force had called and said he had
made arrangements with the rail-
road to have cars down to the ship
for consignment of Thompson
machine guns, parts and ammuni-
ton, about three tons of machine
guns alone" was surprised that q
Swedish officer should be in Trond-
helm at this time, especially as I had
an idea that these munitions had all
been discharged at Bergen. So l
told the agent that there was some
thing fishy about 1t all.
told him that nobody would
get anything unless they showed me
their credentials. On our way to
get car we met young man who
told me that he was on his way to
the hills to join up. He said some
body was coming to take the NUM-
tions in question of the ship. When
I asked him who, he said:
'"The Norwegians from inland"
and that we had better let them
have it and the gold. Things seem
to be getting little lively around
here. We hurried and got our car
and returned to Homellvik. found
that the guns in question had really
been discharged at Bergen, so it
looked as If we would be involved
in trouble with these young Nor
wegians and possibly some Of my
crew killed or wounded for nothing.
Decided to sail as soon as word was
received from Stockholm.
Sailing Orders Received.
April 13 at Homellvik- Called
consul and he gave me the telegram
from New York. Saying he could
sail)
Was glad. OF course, it men
toned nothing about discharging or
loading, but had to get rid OF my
passengers, 50 arranged with the
German consul that he would give
them all a safe passage out 4 Nor
way.
again went to Fritch Schneider
and asked permission to sail. Il had
all my papers with me. Aftef look
ing at my crew list and asking II