Norwegian political factions understood that alignment with Germany endangered the country's large merchant fleet, while alignment with Britain exposed Norway to nearby German military power. Neither camp could offer a safe strategic choice for a country vulnerable from both land and sea. Britain and France lacked an easy way to protect Norway without widening the war and violating neutrality themselves, and their cold-weather forces were limited. Neutrality was therefore a response to danger rather than detachment from the conflict. The dilemma is that neutrality also failed to provide the security Norway needed.
Chapter · 30:40-34:20
Norwegian neutrality as a strategic dilemma
Norway's neutrality reflected the danger posed by German military proximity and British control of sea routes.