Norway justified leaving southern and central forces unmobilized by pointing to existing fortifications, submarines, and other assets. Their existence did not answer whether they were prepared, modernized, and ready for action. Fleischer visited positions in northern Norway and checked their condition, providing an example of what comparable regional commanders could do elsewhere. Dividing authority among several commanders also offered a response to fears that one general might march on Oslo and threaten the civilian government. The proposed arrangement included northern, central, and southern commands, with a possible eastern command facing Sweden. Another option was to raise a fourth divisional force as a mobile formation. These arrangements could strengthen defence organization while limiting the concentration of military power.
Notable Point · 1:08:14-1:10:21
Regional commanders would have tested Norway's paper readiness
Fleischer inspected the forces under his northern command, showing how regional commanders could have exposed the gap between existing fortifications and actual readiness elsewhere.