King Haakon rejected the German demand that he return to Oslo and formally appoint Quisling. The cabinet, parliament, police, and public gave Quisling no recognized base of authority. An officer ignored his warrant for the existing government's arrest because it came from someone with no power to issue it, and Quisling's attempt to control the police failed for the same reason. German backing ended after three days, though the coup was treated as failed after six. The Administrative Council formed on 15 April and took over civil administration. Quisling later believed Hitler's promise that Norway would become independent after the war.
Notable Point · 5:30-9:59
Why Quisling could not command Norway
The king, cabinet, police, and parliament denied Quisling the authority his German backers wanted him to possess.