SWEDEN AND GERMANY

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 April 1943, Page 5

SWEDEN AND GERMANY

‘CONCESSIONS” ENFORCED

STOCKHOLM, April 4.

Referring to the transit of Germans across Sweden, the Prime Minister of Sweden (Mr. Hansson) * declared: “Neither the public nor the Government regards the traffic as desirable. The Government regards the concession as one of the burdens Sweden has to carry as a result of the war between the great Powers. The increased irritation of the Swedish public is understandable, in view of the events in Norway, which have deeply affected Swedes; but all quarters should realise that Swedish opinion does not desire that our attitude should fluctuate with the fortunes of war. Our chief aim is to keep out of war while maintaining our liberty. We shall defend our independence against all encroachments.”

PROTEST MEETINGS

(Recd. 12.15 p.m.) LONDON, April 5. Eighteen hundred Swedes vzho disapprove of the transit of German troeps through Sweden to Norway attended a pro-Norwegian demonstration to-night, says the “Daily Express” Stockholm correspondent. The speakers included the Dean of Stockholm Cathedral, trade union leaders and editors of Liberal and Social Democratic newspapers. The rally followed several hundreds of meetings throughout the country, at which resolutions were passed demanding a cessation of traffic “in view of the sufferings of the Norwegian people.” The Government considers that the changes in the war situation have not diminished the dangers to Sweden of worsened relations with Germany and the stoppage of the transit traffic would be a sign of dishonourable instability, in Swedish policy. Opposition leaders are pressing the Government either to end the traffic now or issue a statement to the effect that it must end if fighting in Norway is resumed.

“The Times” in a leading article, says that the Swedish Government’s contention since the Summer of 1940 has been that Norway is no longer an active front. This is the merest fiction and has never been accepted by the British Government as valid. Sweden may be said to be in Germany’s economic grip, but Sweden has responsibilities in the war which cannot be disregarded on the plea of too close proximity to Germany. She has responsibilities to Norway, which has been so treacherously overrun, and also has responsibilities in the larger battle for freedom and for democratic ways of life.