1938: Norway

In the rapidly developing European crisis during 1938, the Norwegian Government joined with the Governments of Sweden, Denmark and Finland to form a bloc of states determined to pursue a policy of neutrality. The four countries agreed to stay out of coalitions of great powers and, in case of a European war, to carry through a program of economic cooperation in order to preserve the neutrality and economic independence of each. (See DENMARK.) On May 31, the Norwegian parliament passed a resolution declaring, in effect, Norway's right to refrain from participation in sanctions imposed by the League of Nations against an aggressor. The Government took similar steps in concert with the other 'Oslo powers' in July and September. In March, Parliament authorized the government to borrow 52,000,000 kroner for defense purposes. Domestic politics were relatively uneventful during the year. In January the Communists and Socialists failed in an attempt to form a popular front. Among the important laws enacted by Parliament were acts extending the legislative term from three to four years and admitting women into the government service on equal terms with men.

The death, on Nov. 20, of Queen Maud, Norway's only queen since its separation from Sweden in 1907, plunged the nation into mourning. The Queen, who was a daughter of King Edward VII of Great Britain, married Prince Charles of Denmark in 1896, and after his accession to the throne of Norway as King Haakon in 1907, was regarded as a constructive influence in the life of the state.

Economic conditions were favorable during 1938, although the world recession was felt to some extent. Industrial production was maintained at a satisfactory level. Shipping experienced a downward trend, while the yield from fisheries was generally good. Both imports and exports declined somewhat from the 1937 level.