NAZIS & NEUTRALS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 January 1940, Page 6

NAZIS & NEUTRALS

SCANDINAVIA WAKING UP SIGNS OF STAND AGAINST BULLYING. EVEN DENMARK REFUSING TO TOE LINE. ► By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright, (Received This Day, 11.33 a.m.) NEW YORK, January 11. The “New York Tinies” Copenhagen correspondent says there is every indication that the Nazis have finally over-reached themselves in bullying the Northern States. For the first time since the outbreak of war, ever-grow-ing Nazi demands are meeting with a fairly unanimous non possumus from the Scandinavian Press, as Berlin’s queer idea, of neutrality is becoming over-difficult of compliance. If the Nazis had their way, neutrals would not only fight the British contraband control and declare that the Allied cause is not theirs, but also would quit Geneva and prevent British, French and American arms reaching Finland. It seems to be finally dawning on Scandinavians that they are sliding over a long slope of concessions and that all will perish unless they stand together. Even Denmark is refusing to toe Hitler's line in the Russo-Finnish conflict.

NORWAY AND SWEDEN. The most outspoken rejection of Nazi pressure comes from Norway, where even the traditionally pro-Ger-man “Afterpost” issues a warning that a continued Press campaign will harm German interests. This unmistakable stiffening of opinion towards Nazi threats has already resulted in a noteworthy abatement of the anti-Scan-dinavian Press campaign. There is also reason to believe that military and economic leaders have warned Hitler not to invade Sweden.

Britain unquestionably has the whip hand in the Great Powers' scramble for the control of Swedish iron ore. It is improbable that the Russians can penertate the Swedish defences and the Germans, even if they landed, would have to fight the length of the country, while the British are able to send assistance via Narvik. There would also be time for the Swedes to destroy the minefield before the conqueror arrived. Thus the only certain result of Nazi aggression on Sweden would be the loss of an indispensable source of raw materials for an economically and militarily hazardous gamble. Therefore opinion prevails that the Nazis’ Press campaign is rather a link in the general nerves-war than preparation for an attack.

HELP FOR FINLAND DECLARATION BY KING GUSTAV. 1 DESIRE FOR GENERAL PEACE. (Received This Day, 11.30 a.m.) STOCKHOLM. January 11. King Gustav, opening Parliament, said Sweden would give Finland all possible material and humanitarian help. The collaboration of neutral countries was essential to defend their common interests. He hoped it would be an equally strong service to general peace. Sweden was ready to contribute her efforts to re-establish peace.