Threat To Sweden Grows More German Troops At Sea

Northern Advocate, 26 April 1940, Page 6

Threat To Sweden Grows More German Troops At Sea

LONDON, April 25. German concentrations of troops at Baltic ports and aerial activity over Sweden are producing sombre forecasts of Sweden’s destiny, says a Paris correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph.” Troops are reported to be concentrated at the Island of Bornholm, Memel, Danzig, and Stettin, from which ports transports laden with German detachments have sailed in the last few days and nothing has since been heard of them. Military circles in Paris understand the embarkation of German troops from Baltic ports is continuing steadily. Aaland Islands Objective ? The presence of icebreakers leads to the assumption that one of the German objectives may be the Aaland Island, commanding the entrance to the Gulf of Bothnia and the entire east coast of Sweden. Forty German aeroplanes a day are seen over Sweden, .but the Germans claim this violation of neutral territory is accidental. The German Press campaign against Sweden is being continued. Five German minesweepers entered Swedish territorial waters in the Skagerrak, but left immediately they were intercepted by Swedish patrol boats, says a message from Stockholm. Swedish Defence Loan. The repeated violation of territory by German aeroplanes continues. Sweden is floating a defence loan of £30,000,000. The Swedish Parliament has passed a compulsory military service law, applying to all citizens between the ages of 17 and 60. It will operate when necessary. A German trade delegation' has arrived in Stockholm. The Danish island of Bornholm, well inside the Baltic and off the Swedish coast, has been occupied by the Germans for a military and air base.

Concern to Britain. Although suggestions from the Continent that Germany is intending to invade Sweden are received here with the greatest reserve, it is stated in authoritative circles that any fresh aggression on the part of Germany anywhere must be a matter of instant concern to Britain, says a British Official Wireless message. It is also recorded that Sweden has officially stated her intention, in pursuance of neutrality, of resisting improper demands made upon her.