Nazis Over-Reach In Bullying Of Northern States

Northern Advocate, 12 January 1940, Page 5

Nazis Over-Reach In Bullying Of Northern States

(Received 1 p.m.) NEW YORK, January 11. The Copenhagen correspondent of the “New York Times” says there is every indication that the Nazis have finally over-reached in their bullyihg of the Northern States. For the first time since the outbreak of war the ever-growing Nazi demands have been meeting a fairly unanimous reply by the Scandinavian Press that it is not possible to carry this out, as Berlin’s queer idea of neutrality is becoming too difficult. If the Nazis had their way, neutrals would not only fight the British contraband control and declare the Allied cause is riot theirs, but would also quit Geneva, arid would prevent British, French and American arms reaching Finland. Denmark Refuses to Toe Line. It seems to be finally dawning on the Scandinavians that they have been sliding too long on the slope of cohcessions, and they will all perish unless th&y stand together. Even Denmark is refusing to toe Hitler’s line in the Russo-Finnish conflict. The most outspoken rejection of Nazi pressure comes from Norway, where even the traditionally proGerman “Afterpost” warns that a continued Press campaign will harm German interests. This is an unmistakable stiffening of opinion towards Nazi threats and has already resulted in a noteworthy .abatement of the anti-Scandinavian Press campaign. Warned Hitler Off Sweden. There is also reason to believe that military aryl economic leaders have warned Hitler not to invade Sweden. Britain unquestionably has the wliip-hand in the Great Powers’ scramble for control of the Swedish iron ore. It is improbable that the Russians could penetrate the 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. Would Lose Raw Materials. 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.