| “Koeln | H.M.S. Cairo |
| “Koenigsberg | H.M.S. Calcutta |
| “Bromso | H.M.S. Faulkner |
| “Karl Peters | H.M.S. Halcyon |
| “Leopard | British destroyer |
| “Wolf | British destroyer |
| “E-boats | British motor torpedo boats |
“Arrangements are to be made enabling British war flags to be illuminated. Continual readiness for making smoke.” (C-115)
An order dated 24 March 1940, classified “Most Secret,” provides:
“Following is laid down as guiding principle should one of our own units find itself compelled to answer the challenge of passing craft. To challenge in case of the ‘Koeln’ H.M.S. Cairo. Then to order to stop: (1) Please repeat last signal. (2) Impossible to understand your signal. In case of a warning shot: Stop firing. British ship. Good friend. In case of an inquiry as to destination and purpose: Going Bergen. Chasing German steamers.” (C-115)
Doenitz’s order in connection with this operation is headed “Top Secret, Operation Order ‘Hartmut.’ ”
“Occupation of Denmark and Norway. This order comes into force on the codeword ‘Hartmut.’ With its coming into force the orders hitherto valid for the boats taking part lose their validity.
“The day and hour are designated as ‘Weser-Day’ and ‘Weser-Hour’, and the whole operation is known as ‘Weseruebung’.
“The operation ordered by the codeword has its objective the rapid surprise landing of troops in Norway. Simultaneously Denmark will be occupied from the Baltic and from the land side. * * * The naval force will as they enter the harbor fly the British flag until the troops have landed, except presumably at Narvik.” (C-151)
E. Nazi Justification of Invasion.
On 9 April 1940 the Nazi onslaught on the unsuspecting and almost unarmed people of Norway and Denmark was launched. When the invasions had already begun, a German memorandum was handed to the governments of Norway and Denmark attempting to justify the German action (TC-55). That memorandum alleges that England and France were guilty in their maritime warfare of breaches of international law; that Britain and France are making plans themselves to invade and occupy Norway; and that the government of Norway was prepared to acquiesce in such a situation. The memorandum further states: