Living under a threat, 1941 - 1943
The winter of 1941 was bitter cold but most if not all Dutch were living fairly comfortable lives. The stream of coal and gas was less than before the war. The Germans were not willing to let the Dutch freeze. In January it was cold enough for an "Elfstedentocht" which was won by Auke Adema. A little scandal erupted when Adema did not accept the congratulations of Prince Charles but was seen visiting Laeken later that month to see King Leopold and Queen Astrid. Most Dutch who were not member of Rex or the NSB still supported King Leopold III. Like his Danish counterpart he rode out every day to greet the public. Leopold, who was bitter because he could not defend his country, became a beacon of hope in dark times. The "Telegraaf" and "La Libre Belgique" printed a daily picture of the king and his family. The presenters of the KRO, The NCRV and Radio Belgique closed with the sentence "Alles sal reg kom" which is Afrikaans for "Everything will come all right." The censors did not notice it was a desire for the return of Leopold III.
On the 23rd of June, two days after Operation Barbarossa had started. Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands were "invited" to join the Anti-Komintern Pact. From July 1st the Waffen-SS started to recruit volunteers. In special propaganda movies the life of an SS-soldier was made as interesting as possible. Especially among the NSB, Rex and the unemployed a life in the army seemed attractive. In fact it turned out to be living hell. Hated at home and used as cannonfodder life was dangerous.
From June 1941 censorship became stricter. All newspapers had to adhere to strict rules and the broadcasters were all banned. Radio Brussel/Radio Bruxelles came into in excistence. From October 1st 1941 the commercial stations were forced to close. "Het Laatste Nieuws" and "Le Soir" did however not adhere to the new censor rules and were confiscated by the state and sold to a more pro-German investors. In the North an illegal press came into excistance with "Het Parool" and "Trouw" as the most important papers. In November 1941 Prime Minister de Geer invited Rex and the NSB in the government. A new government of national unity was formed. Everything was done to please Hitler and to keep the Dutch independent. The Germans still tried to woo the Dutch by taking in children for holidays in the mountains. And well paid jobs in German factories. With gritting teeth the Germans allowed to keep travel between the Netherlands and Britain open. The Dutch government did try to ban jazz, swing and American movies but that prooved not to be popular. Cinemas however had to screen at least 50% German movies.
A vendor of "La pays réel" in Brussels.
Other newspapers were sold at newsstands (most newsstand owners refused to sell Rex or NSB papers)
In December 1941. Germany wanted to take control of the entire Dutch coast. The Dutch government accepted reluctantly they new that refusal would mean a total occupation. Life became somewhat unpleasant as civillians in the German zone were expected to be home after 10pm. A Dutch propaganda movie explained how the Dutch civilians coped with that.
From 1942 the German occupation became more unpleasant. Altough the institution of May the first as public holiday was generally welcomed. The beginning of the holocaust in the Netherlands was not so readily accepted. From June 1st no jews were allowed to attend college nor were jews allowed to work for the civil service. In the "Free Netherlands" no jews were prosecuted yet. On December 5th began the "St.Nicholas Strike" in Amsterdam. To protest the prosecution of jews. The Germans did not tolerate such behaviour and ended the strike with brutal force. The Germans forced prime minister de Geer to issue the following proclemation.
To the Dutch workers!
Sabouteurs and rioters are trying to frighten the workforce and caused the workers of Amsterdam to strike. This is a breach of trust in the discipline of the Dutch worker and a danger of the peace and independence of our country.
I call upon all workers of good will to resume their work immediately.
Those who strike will cause suffering upon them and their family as striking means
no income and hunger. Those fired due to the strike will
LOOSE their right on Welfare. Furthermore the strikers will be punished severely by the German authorities
Charles - Regent of the Dutch
Dirk Jan de Geer - Prime Minister
BEKANNTMACHUNG!
All persons who are striking will be punished severely.
ALL THOSE WHO RESIST THE GERMAN FORCES WILL BE SHOT!!!
Falkenberg - Commander of the Dutch Coast and Northern France
Striking Tramdrivers (December 6th 1942)
The strike ment the end of de Geer. On January 27th 1943 de Geer was forced to resign. Léon Degrelle was appointed new prime minster and new elections were held on April 3rd 1943. To the shock of the Germans and Degrelle. The NSB and Rex together only got 5% votes. Most Dutch voted for the traditional parties. They formed a coalition and named Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (ARP) and Hubert Pierlot (PSC/CVP) as prime ministers. The Germans had enough of it. They demanded that Léon Degrelle (Rex) would remain prime minister. On the day that parliament was going to installed the order from Berlin was clear. Arrest all members of parliament......