Northern Norway as a base for maritime operations

Fleischer wanted to lead active operations and commando raids, while the government-in-exile feared reprisals and preferred contributions such as merchant shipping, escorts, and limited air support. The fear of reprisals was understandable, although Norway's size, sparse population, and long coast left scope for raids and limited lodgements. Later British commando successes showed that German occupation did not make coastal action impossible. Control of Narvik or Finnmark could also help intercept Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condors and extend anti-submarine patrols during the Battle of the Atlantic. A northern foothold would open a second front and threaten the iron-ore route on which German industry depended. Reconquest would still have been difficult. Norway's geography nevertheless offered maritime leverage that the government could have argued to use more actively.