740.0011 European War 1939/3667
The Minister in Denmark (Atherton) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 15.]
Sir: I have the honor to refer to my despatch No. 128 of April 24, 1940, entitled “Occupation of Denmark by the German Army”28 and to make the following observations concerning the attitude of the Danish people toward the sudden irruption of the German army into their country.
There can be little doubt that the German seizure of Denmark on the morning of April 9th came as a stunning surprise to all but a very few of the people of Denmark. The droning of swarms of German fighters flying low over all parts of Copenhagen and its suburbs conveyed the news to one million people that their capital, and presumably their entire country, was being occupied by German arms.
This was the more surprising since the official policy of Denmark since the World War had been one of extreme friendliness toward Germany. Definitely marking this friendly attitude, Denmark had, in May 1939, responded to Germany’s invitation to sign a Pact of [Page 166] Non-Aggression,30 an invitation which none of the other Nordic states had accepted. Although the Danes did not place over much reliance in the Pact itself, it did, nevertheless, appear as if Germany, on her part, appreciated the confidence which was implied by Denmark’s acceding to the German request.
Although the actual occupation came as a complete surprise to the majority of the Danish people, there was much concrete evidence for some days that some important German move was in progress. It is fair to believe, however, that the Danish authorities were generally under the impression that the preparatory measures in the waters about Denmark were destined elsewhere. However that may be, no steps were taken to mobilize either the military, naval, or air forces at the disposal of the Government, even at the very height of the crisis in the Scandinavian area.
To some extent Danish opinion has been influenced by the laying of mines in Norwegian territorial waters by the British Navy. Press criticism indicated that this action exposed and endangered the position of the Nordic countries. However well or ill founded this criticism may be, this view was held and expressed on April 10th by Dr. Munch31 himself in informal conversation with members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Since the occupation, it is interesting to note the attitude of the people at large toward the German troops. It is one of correctness, but aloofness. The German soldiery in the streets are well behaved and give evidence of being under iron discipline. Nevertheless, the Danish people, with few exceptions, appear determined to avoid all possible personal relations and pass them by without a glance. It is reported that one German soldier remarked that the resistance of the Norwegians was easier to endure than the contempt of the Danes. In Esbjerg, a notice was placed in the press by the German military that it would be appreciated if German officers might be invited to Danish homes. It appears that the German soldiers were given to understand that they would be welcomed in Denmark as protectors of the nation and that they are nonplussed at the coldness of their reception. They go about their duties in a quiet, business-like manner, but they have no air of buoyancy or enthusiasm, or of being engaged upon a mission into which they have put their heart and soul. The German flags which were at first placed upon the buildings occupied as barracks were shortly afterward removed; and they have remained only upon the hotels occupied as military headquarters.
[Page 167]In Copenhagen every attempt is made to carry on with the appearance of things being “as usual.” King Christian soon resumed his morning horseback rides and goes about as before wholly unattended. The use of private motor cars has again been discontinued; and it is not expected that the reserves of gasoline can last more than a very few months if further imports are not forthcoming. The regular police officers on patrol have been reinforced, presumably by recruits from the Danish army, which was dismissed and sent home shortly after the occupation. Possibly upon German initiative, certain oneway streets have been opened in the congested area, a reform long needed in Copenhagen. Otherwise, the city retains its normal appearance. With the exception of a few restricted areas, such as the local airport, travel is free and unrestrained; and motor cars may proceed at will throughout this island without being subject to interference or questioning. The Germans have, however, taken over direction of such places and activities as are necessary to maintain an effective control; the frontiers, including the ingress and egress of all persons; communications, including telegraphs and telephones; and a censorship which embraces the press, mails at the frontiers, and a representative in the Press department of the Foreign Office. In spite of these measures, it may be stated that superficially the life of the country does not appear to have greatly changed and the people are beginning to accustom and readjust themselves to the new conditions. Apart from the intelligent few, there is perhaps an insufficient realization of the fundamental change that has taken place in Denmark; and only the passage of time will bring home to the Danish people the true nature of the fundamental change that has come over their country.
Respectfully yours,