The Daily News. FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 1916. SWEDEN'S EXHIBITION OF TEMPER.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 August 1916, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 1916. SWEDEN'S EXHIBITION OF TEMPER.

The tightening of the blockade against Germany has not been without its effect on Sweden—the only neutral country in the region affected that was greatly under the influence of Germany in consequence of the considerable trade in reexports that has been carried out between the two countries. It may safely be asserted that Sweden has never enjoyed such a payable harvest as that which has accrued to her unscrupulous traders in connection with re-exports to Germany. 'Britain had decided that the application of the blockade screw waß imperatively necessary, but it is obvious to the meanest intelligence that if goods were nominally allowed to reach Swedish ports and from thence he reslupped, to Germany the object for which the blockade was instituted would be absolutely frustrated. When Britain's determination to strictly enforce the blockade and put an end to illegitimate leakages became apparent to Sweden, then trouble began, for not only was the- re-export trick thoroughly exposed, but Sweden found that the harvest she had been reaping to such an unparalleled extent must end unless che :ould bluff Britain into a relenting mood. Accordingly, when Britain asked Sweden to Dermit

its subjects to agree fliat imports should not be ex-ported to the Central Powers or for their use, Sweden pretended to be angry, and met the request with flat refusal, together with hints of trouble to come. Britain lias hitherto done all in her power towards treating neutrals in an over-generous way, but the blockade in question permits ai no loopholes of escape. It is a weapon whose potency consists in the way in which it is used, and Britain's intention is to use it for all it is worth. Had .Sweden's imports been for 'her own uses, she would readily have given the required undertaking, but her duplicity stands revealed, and she is so angry that she has what is vulgarly termed cut off her nose to spite her face, and a prohibition of British exports to Sweden has resulted. This practically means that Sweden has cut herself off from all import trade with the outer world. She will, of course, have German sympathy—instead of profits on German trade—with her. In all probability the bulk of the people would have preferred that the required undertaking should have been giveii, leaving it to the ingenuity of the traders to find a means of getting round the guarantee; but there is a strong party (so far as influence counts) who have been imbued by German ideals, and though they are mostly visionaries—of the Sven. Hedin type—they make a strong bid for popularity of their views. Fortunately, what may be termed the solid portion of the community have not been carried away by German methods and are quite aware of the justice of the claim which Britain presented when requiring the guarantee, the purport and wisdom of which is perfectly recognised by all States whose neutrality is unbiassed. Sweden has acted most foolishly in compelling Britain to block imports. It will be well for her if she lets this act of folly be the limit or her advance towards self-destruction. K'o great harm has been done by her loss of temper, but the accident of a moment might precipitate a calamity from which Sweden could never recover.