Friday, February 16, 1940 - British intercept German prison ship

[Louis]

In Norway... Acting on instructions from Churchill, the British destroyer Cossack (Captain Vian) enters Norwegian territorial waters and removes 299 British prisoners from the German transport Altmark. The ship entered Norwegian waters on February 14th and, according to international law the prisoners should have been released. Altmark's captain denied that he is carrying prisoners. The Norwegians made no real attempt to search and in fact provided a torpedo boat as escort. The British action is also contrary to international law and although very popular at home, it serves to convince the Germans that the British are contemplating sterner measures against Norway. This gives further impetus to the German plans for an invasion.

In Stockholm... The Swedish government refuses the Finnish appeal for right of passage of foreign troops and direct military assistance.-