Q&A ยท 1:21:19-1:22:41

Could Britain radio a Norwegian reserve mobilization order?

British long-range broadcasting could plausibly imitate or relay an activation order once the Norway crisis began.

Question

Could Britain fake an activation order over Norway's reservist command-and-control network?

Short answer

Probably; British long-range broadcasting could reach Norway, although the political response and acceptance of the order would remain uncertain.

Notes

The panel considers whether Britain could use Norwegian radio channels to trigger reserve mobilization during a preemptive occupation of the ports. British transmitters, including the BBC's long-range network, had the reach needed to place a message onto frequencies used inside Norway. Once British forces had arrived, the Norwegian government might issue a genuine call-up in response anyway. The answer treats broadcast reach as plausible while leaving the political and authentication problems unresolved.