SWEDEN'S DEFENCES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23620, 2 April 1940, Page 6

SWEDEN'S DEFENCES

Through Denmark comes detailed news of Sweden's increased attention to defence. The particulars are striking: large orders of fighting aircraft and aircraft engines from the United States, non-stop work in all arms factories, vigorous turning of an important strategic but unfortified site into one of the strongest military bases in the Baltic, and equipment of numerous coastal batteries and aerodromes. Sweden, it should be remembered, is already possessed of an efficient army of 500,000 and an artillery force ranking among the best qualified in the world, while she has a southern line of fortification stoutly built. However, in comparison with the risks to be faced, her defensive provision is inadequate. This was recognised five months ago, when trouble was brewing for Finland, and then a sudden resolve was made to meet a situation becoming obviously dangerous ; a vote of £25,000,000 was passed for new tanks, and other sums were set aside for increased spending on navy and air force; several classes were called to the colours; air-raid precautions were adopted in Stockholm and Gothenburg ; taxation on a war footing was contemplated and a rationing system was actually begun. What is now reported is an extension of the activity then started. That it has serious meaning nobody can reasonably doubt, although» the precise purport of it is not stated. One thing is sure —with other Scandinavian countries, all neutral, Sweden has come to realise that neutrality without teeth is poor protection. Finland's fate has clinched the grim lesson. The Baltic is becoming, more and more, a hot-spot of friction. Germany wants Swedish iron-ore more than ever, and the British blockade is tightening. It scarcely needed Mr. Churchill's plain words about neutrals to sound an arousal. Storm-clouds may spread, all too quickly, over the Baltic, and it is well to be prepared,)