By Mike Walsh
Never
underestimate the power of propaganda or consider yourself immune to it. Propaganda is persistent, powerful, and
pervasive. The courage and integrity of Norwegian statesman Vidkun Quisling
(1887 ~ 1945) sets him apart from all but a very few great men. Yet, his name
is synonymous with base treachery and cowardice.
When
on June 22 1941 the Reich invaded Soviet Occupied Europe the guts were torn out
of Stalin’s intention to invade Europe three weeks later on July 6. During
their rapid deployment German troops were astonished to find icons and busts of
Vidkun Quisling and Fridtjof Nansen placed in homesteads and Orthodox Churches.
Few of these troops would be other than vaguely aware of Quisling but
throughout the Reich liberated territories Quisling was revered as a saint.
Vidkun Quisling with Hitler
At
21-years old the young Norwegian achieved an Army officer’s position. Three
years later he achieved the best degree ever recorded in the history of
Norway’s Military Academy. Such was the
young Quisling's standing that a special report was forwarded to the King of
Norway. The young lieutenant was immediately attached to the General
Staff. Four years later Vidkun Quisling
became closely involved with Fridtjof Nansen. The acclaimed explorer had earned
the distinction of being the first in history to traverse the world’s largest
island, Greenland. (Australia is a continent).
The
renowned scientist was also celebrated for his humanitarian work under the
auspices of the Relief Committee for Russia.
Vidkun Quisling’s mentor was responsible for the humane repatriation of
450,000 prisoners-of-war rescued from twenty-six countries in the aftermath of
the Great War. Nansen, assisted by his
aide Vidkun Quisling, was charged with bringing relief to millions of refugees
caused by the Bolsheviks plunder of Ukraine. This artificial famine led to the
deaths of 10 million Ukrainians. Fridtjof Nansen and Vidkun Quisling led a team
said to have saved the lives of over seven million people.
In
the foreword to Fridtjof Nansen’s narrative will be found the explorer’s thanks
to Vidkun Quisling: “These prefatory words cannot be brought to conclusion
without heartfelt thanks to Captain Vidkun Quisling, for his tireless
friendship as a fellow-traveller and for his valuable assistance he has
rendered to the author through his comprehensive knowledge of Russian.”
For
his humanitarian achievements and his services to the British Crown, Vidkun
Quisling was honoured with the British order of Commander of the British Empire
(CBE). Ironically, it is England and not Quisling who, by their base betrayal
of Sir Vidkun Quisling are far more deserving of the ignoble slur, treachery
and cowardice.
At
dawn on October 24, 1945 Vidkun Quisling was state assassinated by a firing
squad. Awoken and without even the comfort of a jacket the great humanist was
taken into the bitter cold of the prison yard at Mollergaten Gaol in Oslo. Shortly afterward a volley of shots
reverberated beyond the prison walls.
One of Europe’s most enigmatic and bravest leaders crumpled to the withering
fire of the firing squad bullets. It was hardly The allies most glorious of
moments.
Back
inside the prison, on the stone floors outside the recently vacated Cell 34B,
were scattered rose petals. They had
likely come from one of the many bouquets handed in for Vidkun Quisling. Upon the solitary desk in the sparse cell rested
a copy of the Holy Bible. Its pages were
lying open. Vidkun Quisling was a profoundly religious and charitable man.
Twice underlined in the Holy Bible were the written words: “He shall redeem
their soul from defeat and violence and precious shall their blood be in His
sight.” ~ Psalms 72-14.
“The highest that can be achieved is a heroic passage through life. Such a life is led by the man who, pursuing a
purpose for the benefit of all, struggles against all too great difficulties,
yet receives a poor reward or no reward at all.” ~ Arthur Schopenhauer.
HEROES HANG WHEN TRAITORS TRIUMPH, Mike Walsh.
Facebook has blocked the Amazon book link on his timeline.
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