Nazi-Selected Students

In August; 1943, new regulations concerning the admission of students to the university Were circulated from the "Ministry" to the faculties. The Rector was given full power to grant or refuse admission. The consequence would be that students undesirable to the Nazis would be rejected, and Nazis without the necessary qualifications would be admitted.

The professors and lecturers of all the faculties protested in writing, threatening to resign if the regulations were put into force. In October the Gestapo stepped in and arrested 68 students, nine professors, and two lecturers. All the faculties and practically all the students who at this time were in Oslo, protested in writing, demanding the release of their colleagues and friends.

The conflict was plainly moving towards a climax. On November 28 a mysterious fire broke out in the University Celebration Hall, the Aula.

The fire was most likely started by the Nazis, who had to find a pretext to close down the University. The controlled newspapers immediately flashed the event on the front page, accusing "Communist elements among the students" of "vandalism and sabotage." The whole next day the students went laughing to each other at this silly assertion, titling each other "communist" and "saboteur." But the day after, November 30, the Gestapo struck.

The University buildings, libraries, laboratories, and museums were surrounded by German troops with machine guns. All male students were detained, a great many were arrested in their homes or in the streets. The female students were ordered to leave for their homes.