Altmark succeeded, but the Norway follow-up failed

The conclusion separates the Altmark operation from its aftermath. The rescue itself was well executed, and Churchill strongly supported the naval officers involved. The subsequent handling of Norway failed to connect the incident to diplomatic guarantees, naval readiness, and the wider strategic value of the country. Primary responsibility is assigned to Churchill because he was First Lord of the Admiralty and responsible for advising the prime minister before later becoming prime minister himself. The original idea is judged sound, while its strategic follow-through was poor.