SWEDEN'S PARTIALITY.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5538, 19 September 1916, Page 5

SWEDEN'S PARTIALITY.

SHARP REPLY TO ALLIES

Coriuon, Last Night

Tho Allies have sent a Note protesting to Sweden against measure; regulating the navigation of territorial waters iu the Baltic. It allows that tho French Note declared firstly, that Sweden prevents submarine navigagation of territorial waters except to German submarines which she employs under a commercial pretext. Secondly, Sweden reserves the route through the mine field in the Kogund Pass for Swedish vessels exclusively, which is contrary to tho FraneoSwedish commercial treaty. Thirdly, Sweden thus closes against non-Swe-dish vesse 1 s only tho route from t.he Sound to th<* Baltic which is out of the rqach of Gorman war vessels. but keeps open Kalinas Strait wmen ts accessible to Swedish and German vos si?ls only. It is even stated that the Germans are escorted as a protection against warships. Sweden thus oompletcs Germany's Baltic barrier between the Russians and tho Anglo French. Consequently Sweden’s attitude towards one group of bcfligoronts is incompatible with fair and impartial neutrality.

Sweden’s reply was couched in acrimonious language and strongly disputes the charges of partiality. It states that Sweden cannot discuss the

subject and declares t hat the allegation.! oro based on imperfect knowledge of tin* facts and isolated instances. It, adds : “Sweden is the solo judge *:nf how legitimately to piceervo her rights and discharge her duties.”

NORWEGIAN OPINION

(Vqv: nhagen, last Night. Tho Norwegian “Morgonbladet.” states that, owing to the? Allies’ Note to Sweden, England has strengthened the blockade against Norway. Scandinavia must expect severe months, but must meet* them in Joint fellowship. Scandinavia is now the only hole in the ring surrounding the Central Powers. Britain’s policy i.,- to close ibis hole because it is bidieved that this m the only way to shorten tin* war.