WAR OF NERVES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 March 1942, Page 4

WAR OF NERVES

OPENED BY NAZIS AGAINST SWEDEN INVASION THOUGHT LIKELY. POSSIBLE DESIGNS ON NAVY. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, March 10. The German, Press and radio 10 days ago opened verbal warfare against Sweden, which it has since violently pursued. Neutral observers are recalling that a German “nerve” campaign has frequently preceded physical warfare, and consequently they are discussing the possibility of Hitler moving against Sweden before he opens a spring offensive elsewhere. These discussions link up rumours which are current- through Europe that the Allies are planning to invade Norway. Germany, it is said, will demand right-of-way for troops through Sweden. The German Press says that Sweden is not pro-German, and it alleges that a report emanated from Stockholm that Finland will conclude a separate peace with Russia and also a military agreement with Sweden, after which Germany will be asked to withdraw from Norway.

The German radio has now joined in the tirade, saying: “Sweden must not think she can behave as she likes toward Norway and Finland.” Sweden's not insignificant navy may afford a clue to Germany’s possible designs against Sweden. From the outbreak of the -war up to yesterday the Swedish shipyards have delivered 68 craft of various categories, including destroyers and submarines, and these arc additional to several warships which have been purchased from abroad.