NOW REFUSING TO TOE HITLER'S LINE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 10, 12 January 1940, Page 7

NOW REFUSING TO TOE HITLER'S LINE.

NORTHERN STATES.

Must Stand Together Or Perish. . REALISATION AT LAST. United I'ress Association.—right. • Received 11 a.m.) NEW YORK, January 11. The Copenhagen correspondent of the "New York Times" savs there is every indication that the Nazis have finally over-reached in their bullying of the northern States.

| For the first time since the outbreak of war the ever-growing Nazi demands have been meeting a fairly unanimous U'eply by the >S<xindinavian Press that it is not possible to carry them out, as Berlin's queer idea of neutrality is becoming too diflicult.

If the Nazis had their way neutrals would not only fight (lie British contraband control, and declare the Allied cause is not theirs, but would also quit Geneva, and would prevent British, French and American arms reaching Finland.

it seems to lie finally dawning on the Scandinavians that they liave been sliding too long on the slope of concessions, and they will all perish unless they stand together. Even Denmark is refusing to toe Hitler's line in the Russo-Finnish conflict: Noteworthy Abatement. The most outspoken rejection of Nazi pressure comes front Norway, where even the traditionally pro-Merman "Afterpost"' warns that a continued Press campaign will harm German interests. This is an unniMakeable stiffening of opinion towards Nazi threats, and lias already resulted in a noteworthy abatement of the anti Scandinavian Press campaign. There is also reason to believe that military and economic leaders have warned Hitler not to invade Sweden. Britain unquestionably has the whipliand in the Great Powers' scramble for control of the Swedish iron ore.

It is improbable the Russians could penetrate tlie Swedish defences, and the Germans, even if they landed, would have to fight the length of the country.

Meanwhile the British would be able to send assistance via Narvik.

Thus the only certain result of Nazi aggression against Sweden would be the loss of an indispensable source of raw materials. Economically and militarily it would be a hazardous gamble, and therefore the opinion prevails that the Nazi Press campaign is rather a link in the general nerves war than preparation for an attack. £58)000,000 OUTLAY. Sweden Increasing Taxes And Raising Loans. NORWAY ALSO BUSY. (Received 1 p.m.) LONDON, January 11. Sweden and Norway are actively strengthening their defences. Swedish measures for the year from July, revealed to Parliament, cost the unpreredentedly high ligure of £5*,000.000. Income tax and property tav arc being increased, ana also £30,000,000 is being raised by loans.

The programme includes naval rebuilding and schools for training pilots.

Norway's preparations include special anti-aircraft units for the Army and Navy.

Plans for the evacuation of the larger towns, all civilians participating, are reaching perfection. "

NEUTRAL ATTITUDE.

TURN AGAINST DICTATORS.

(Received noon.)

KUGBY, January 11.

Official circles 111 London liave noted with satisfaction that during the past few days there have beeir parallel developments in many neutral countries regarding the attitude to the two wars of aggression. Following the lead of the Pope and erf the United Stales, distinction is drawn between political and moral neutrality, and individual opinions arc now freely expressed that there are signs that the unanimous popular resistance to Nazi demands that 110 help should be given to Finland, may in fact weld neutrals closer together.

Any sucli movement would lessen the likelihood of further Nazi or Soviet agression by forestalling attempts to -single out small Powers as victims. Comment is made here tliat the inspiring lesson of Finland may have taught the Governments not to undervalue the cause of freedom nor over-rate the strength of aggressors.