PROTEST BY SWEDES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 6 April 1943, Page 2

PROTEST BY SWEDES

TRANSIT OF GERMAN TROOPS PRO-NORWEGIAN DEMONSTRATION BIG MEETING AT STOCKHOLM (Rec. 12.50 p.m.) London, April 5. Eighteen hundred Swedes who disapprove of the transit of German troops through Sweden to Norway at* ’ended a pro-Norwegian demonstration to-night says the “Daily Express'* Stockholm correspondent. Speakei* included the Dean of Stockholm Cathedral. trade union leaders, and editors of Liberal and Social Democratic newrpapers.

The rally followed several hundreds of meeting*: throughout the country at which resolutions were passed demanding cassation of traffic “in view of the sufferings of the Norwegian people.” The Government considered changes in the war situation have not diminished dangers to Sweden of worsened relations with Germany and that the stoppage of 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 will end if fighting in Norway is resumed.

“The Times” in a leading article says 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 Germanyu’s economic grip, but Sweden has responsibilities in the war which cannot be disregarded on the plea 'f too close proximity to Germany. She has responsibilities lo Norway which was so treacherously overrun. Sweden also has responsibilities in the largeer battle for freedom and for the democratic ways of life. —P.A.