The last entry for 3 March reads:
“Fuehrer decides to carry out ‘Weser Exercise’ before case ‘Yellow’ with a few days interval.” (1809-PS)
Thus, the important issue of strategy which had been concerning the German High Command for some time had been decided by this date, and the fate of Scandinavia was to be sealed before the fate of the Low Country. It will be observed from those entries of 3 March that by that date Hitler had become an enthusiastic convert to the idea of aggression against Norway.
The entry in Jodl’s diary for 5 March reads:
“Big conference with the three commanders-in-chief about ‘Weser Exercise.’ Field Marshal in a rage because not consulted till now. Won’t listen to anyone and wants to show that all preparations so far made are worthless.
“Result: (a) Stronger forces to Narvik.
“(b) Navy to leave ships in the ports (Hipper or Luetzow in Trondheim).
“(c) Christiansand can be left out at first.
“(d) Six divisions envisaged for Norway.
“(e) A foothold to be gained immediately in Copenhagen.” (1809-PS)