Secret German Documents seized during the Raid on the Lofoten Islands on the 4th March, 1941 embodying instructions to the Army on the control of the Press and on collaboration with the Gestapo in dealing with Norwegian nationals, Published by The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to Parliament by Command of His Majesty as Cmd. 6270 – Printed by His Majesty’s Stationery Office for the Royal Norwegian Government’s Ministry of Information, London, 1941. Rare.
On March 4, 1941, as part of Operation Claymore, British and Norwegian commando forces raided the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway. During the raid, secret German documents were seized, containing instructions for the German Army regarding control over the press and collaboration with the Gestapo in handling Norwegian civilians. Published here for the first time, these documents included detailed orders to the German Army on how to control and supervise the Norwegian press: “Control over newspapers must extend to the entire content of the paper, including its advertising sections. Any changes in editorial staff or publication must be reported to the army’s press officer.” The instructions emphasized the need to publish only news that supported the policies of the German Reich or did not interfere with it. Some directives specifically addressed radio equipment among the civilian population and Jews: “The possession or use of amateur transmitters is forbidden for all private individuals in Norway. The possession of wireless sets is prohibited for Jews.” It was further forbidden to play the Norwegian national anthem in public spaces.
Additionally, the documents outlined protocols for handling “serious offenses” such as insulting the Führer, which required the immediate arrest of the offender and a report to the Gestapo. The Gestapo mandated particular caution in publishing reports that could stir unrest among the population. The documents also imposed a total ban on references to previous political matters in Norway, including the King, the Nygaardsvold Government, political parties, and trade unions. The documents described the methods of collaboration between the German Army and the Gestapo in managing the Norwegian population. The instructions provided examples of possible “offenses” by the local population and the appropriate responses: If a German citizen was attacked or humiliated because of their German identity, the attacker was to be immediately arrested. In cases of subversive preaching by clergy, particular care and reporting to the Gestapo were required.
While the instructions stressed restraint and caution, they demanded a severe and uncompromising response in cases of threats to soldiers or military property. These documents revealed to the Allies, for the first time, the Nazi occupation policies in Norway, particularly regarding information control and suppression of dissent. They enabled the Allies to better understand the methods employed by the Nazis to control the local population and prevent any form of resistance or criticism. The publication aimed to expose the Nazi methods and raise public awareness about the brutality of the German occupation.
28 pages. Very good condition.
