RISING TENSION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 205, 31 August 1943, Page 5

RISING TENSION

SWEDEN AND GERMANY Recd. 11.30 p.m. London, Aug. 30. Reports from Sweden and Germany reflect rising tension between the two countries. German reply to Sweden’s protest against the sinking of two Swedish fishing vessels in tne Skagerrak on August 25 stated that the vessels not only acted unneutrally but in a manner directly assisting Germany’s enemies. Similar action would be taken against any vessels entering the prohibited area. The ’spokesman for the Swedish Foreign Office described the German allegatiqns as completely absurd. Berlin news agency issued a statement accusing Swedish newspapers of irresponsibility, adding that authoritative circles in Berlin say there art limits to German restraint, particularly when- restraint is answered with untrue statements. "The Swedish press makes Sweden’s geographical position an excust for an attitude undescribable as anything but arrogant and provocative,” says the Deutsche Diplomatische Korrespondenz. "More malicious, more insulting and more lying statements against Germany could hardly be found in the Anglo-American press. The Swedish press has used every recent incident, for commentaries absolutely incompatible with Swedish neutrality.”