SERVICE TO FINLAND

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 16, 19 January 1940, Page 5

SERVICE TO FINLAND

SWEDEJS POLICY NO ORDERS FROM ABROAD ••WILL IUDCI FOR OURSELVES" Recei\>ii Jan. 18. 6..",5 p.m. STOCKHOLM. Jan. 17. The Prime Minister, Mr. Hansson, declared in the Rigsdag: "We need no orders from abroad concerning our relations with Finland, but will judge tor ourselves how to do the best service to the cause of Finland and the other northern countries. Our foreign policy is unchanged. We shall defend our independence and neutrality. The Western Powers have not brought any pressure to bear on us, and Germany has not threatened us. We will meet any attempt to violate our neutrality with all the powers at our disposal. 'l'herc is no question of breaches of neutrality, such as permission foi belligerent troops to traverse Sweden or use bases there. Sweden continues to collaborate with small free States in order to ensure her neutrality ami independence. "There is no question of a military coalition, nor of obligation on Sweden to help, for Finland has our sympathy, but caution must be exercLed if we are to avoid becoming a party to the conflict.” Neutrality Den mi nerd The House applauded M. Sandler when he vehement ly denounced the neutrality policy. He added that Sweden should safeguard the neutrality of the Aalands with armed force. Hr deplored the lack of Scandinavian co-operation, adding that the recent meeting of the States was a beautiful event but collaboration had been torpedoed behind the scenes from the start. “Sweden was not ready to take the necessary steps when the time came, but it is not too late yet," he concluded.