Rising Tension Between Germany and Sweden

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 206, 31 August 1943, Page 5

Rising Tension Between Germany and Sweden

Fierce Attacks By Hun Radio and Press “ Malicious, Insulting,Lying Statements” United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Monday, 11.30 p.m. LONDON, August 30. Reports from Sweden and Germany reflect the rising tension between the two countries. The German reply to Sweden’s protest against the sinking of two Swedish fishing vessels in the Skagerrak on August 25 stated that the vessels not only acted unneutraily but in a mannsr directly assisting Germany’s enemies. Similar action would be taken against any vessels entering the prohibited area. The spokesman of the Swedish Foreign Office described the German allegations as completely absurd. The Berlin News Agency issued a statement accusing Swedish newspapers of irresponsibility, adding: “Authoritative circles in Berlin say there are limits to German restraint, particularly when the restraint is answered with untrue statements.” “The Swedish press makes Sweden’s geographical position an excuse for an attitude not dascribable as anything but arrogant and provocative,” says the Deutsche Diplomatische Korrespondenz. ‘ ‘More malicious, mere insulting or more lying statements against Germany could hardly be found in the Anglo-American press. The Swedish press has used every recent incident for commentaries absolutely incompatible with Swedish neutrality.”