Scandinavian American. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1945-1958, 1945-11-01

some tendency to criticize the
Danes for not resisting Germany
form ally. Denmark never has for
mally joined the United Nations
nor formally declared war against
Germany.
But returning there after hav-
ing seen it during the first week
of German occupation, I am con-
vinced that Denmark has played
a unique and extremely important
role in ending the Nazi concept.
In every other country overrun
by the Nazis there were many
material reasons why the people
finally rose and turned against
their oppressors. Had there been
no Denmark it would have been
possible for future Nazi apollo
gists to argue that the people of
other countries rose against Nazsi-
ism only because during the course
of the war they suffered physi-
cal hardships and mass physical
injuries
Danes Turned Against 1t
But the Danes turned against
it without any such reasons. Only
in Denmark has Naziism been dis
avowded solely because NaZiism
represented a denial of freedom.
Thus only in Denmark is it
possible to find proof that Naziism
at its gentlest and best was un-
able to win converts from the out
side world.
Behind this is a long story of
Nazi efforts to provide the world
with window dressing. The Danes
suffered during the war very much
less than anyone else. Only bread
and butter were rationed. The only
commodities seriously short or I'M
available entirely were tobacco,
coffee, tea, and chocolate.
Most meats were unrationed.
Even rationed butter always was
plentiful. Eggs existed abundant
ly as nowhere else in Europe.
And until the Danish police were
arrested en- masse in 1914 the
number of Danes deported for po-
litical reasons were trivial. Even
then, the total number arrested
was minute in comparison with
other occupied countries, and these
were given better treatment than
in any other European nation.
Nazis Detested
In spite of all this, it is doubt
full if the Nazis We're detested
more universally or resisted more
staunchly mentally than in Den
mark.
When Allied strategy required
industrial and transportation de-
molitions. the Danish Underground
undertook the task with internal
sabotage more efficient than
bon bling The important thing is
that they carried out their as
signments on schedule. SO Den
mark was spared bombings al
most entirely because bombs were
not needed -the Danish Under
ground did a first-class job.
Denmark IS the only country
I have yet seen in Europe where
life is almost as it was before the
war started. Streetcars are run
ming, shops are open for business,
the people are well dressed and
well fed. Yet this treatment new
er won the affection of the Danes.
I arrived very late some 10 days
after the first flush of liberation.
Even at that late date the people
waved everywhere when I was
driving or stopped and talked
when I was walking. Children
came up with pencils requesting
autographs everywhere and at
all hours.
Truly Royal Welcome
This was truly a royal welcome
for latecomers, for Denmark
wanted freedom even if it knew
that in all probability privations
would become worse rather than
better under freedom for the next
six months or more.
The people are under no il
lusions. All their export trade
must be redirected and it will be
a long time before they can be