Extract from the Naval War Diary, on the benefits of obtaining naval bases in Norway and Denmark

[Extract from Naval War Diary.
Questionnaire on Norway Bases, 3 October 1939.]
3 Oct.
5. The Chief of the Naval War Staff considers it necessary that the Fuehrer be informed as soon as possible of the opinions of the Naval War Staff on the possibilities of extending the operational base to the North. It must be ascertained whether it is possible to gain bases in Norway under the combined pressure of Russia and Germany, with the aim of improving fundamentally our strategic and operational position. The following questions must be given consideration :
a. What places in Norway can be considered as bases?
b. Can bases be gained by military force against Norway's will, if it is impossible to carry this out without fighting?
c. What are the possibilities of defense after the occupation?
d. Will the harbours have to be developed completely as bases, or have they possibly already decisive advantages as supply positions ?
(F.O.U-boats already considers such harbours extremely useful as equipment—and supply—bases for Atlantic U-boats to call at temporarily).
e. What decisive advantage would exist for the conduct of the War at sea in gaining a base in North Denmark e.g. Skagen.
928