although the population of arendal had reacted calmly to the german invasion, rumours soon began to circulate about a supposed allied bombing raid scheduled for 12:00 on 10 april. most of arendal's population fled the town in panic in the early hours of 10 april. it took several days before the majority of the evacuees had returned. the german landing force were housed in a school building, and "rittmeister" von wesentahl arranged meetings with the local norwegian authorities to ensure their cooperation in accordance with the rules of occupation. arendal's mayor agreed to help maintain calm in the town.