§ Captain Pluggeasked the Prime Minister what reports he has received indicating that Germany is shooting civilians in Norway?
§ Mr. ButlerIt appears from the official German broadcasts of 12th, 13th and 19th April that the German command in Oslo have declared that any persons found fighting the German forces will be treated asfranc-tireurs and shot, and that some persons have already been shot on this ground. They have also declared that every civilian met carrying arms or committing any act of sabotage will be shot on the spot. They have in addition admitted that they have forced Norwegian civilians to drive German soldiers into the firing line in commandeered cars. Comment on such methods of war is superfluous, but I am glad to have this opportunity of making the facts known.
§ Mr. G. Straussasked the Prime Minister whether he has any information concerning the approval given by the Norwegian Government to Herr Christensen on his action in accepting the chairmanship of the committee for the administration of Norwegian territory under German occupation; and will he make a statement?
§ Mr. ButlerThe position of the administrative council in Oslo under the chairmanship of Mr. Christensen has been made clear by a proclamation issued on 17th April by the King of Norway in Council.