1942: Sweden

On her west, a Scandinavian land persecuted by German invaders; on her east, a Scandinavian nation accepting German aid against Soviet attacks; on her southwest, a Scandinavian people resisting German conquerors: this is Sweden the neutral of the north in 1942. But no neutral toward brutality, not silenced, her government and her people found ways in the past year to declare unequivocally their sympathy for the coerced and their opposition to the coercion.

Geographically, the pivot of Finland, Norway and Denmark, Sweden sees her role in the words of her Foreign Minister, Christian E. Günther, on Nov. 7 to the Riksdag (Parliament): 'It is a realistic task for Sweden to be the link holding the Northern peoples together.'

The continuance of the war, though it gives Sweden larger opportunities to evidence humanitarian generosity to suffering neighbors, increases the severity of life for her people and the complexities before her government. Last winter (1941-'42) was probably Sweden's most severe season since the 'Poltava' winter of 1709. Rations tightened, due to small imports and to successive years of poor crops: less fat was allowed in milk; potato flour and flakes were limited; meat allowances were reduced (meat cards were introduced in restaurants); the entire crop of brown beans went to the Army. Coffee was limited to half a pound a week. While fish, potatoes and other root vegetables were not rationed, fish prices were high due to mines, pack-ice and danger from torpedoing. Bread rations fell in January; clothing ration cards were issued, though shoes were not rationed.

As the months passed, though crop prospects were encouraging, the pressure grew. In October, plans were on foot to ration fish. On Nov. 1, low reserves of water for power and scarcity of fuel forced the rationing of electricity to industries (since October it was apportioned for homes, stores and streets); and need of men for fuel cutting forced the Government to announce that in 1943 it would call men ahead of their military service for forestry work.

The Government has been unified. On Jan. 12, King Gustaf in a speech from the throne opening the Riksdag, announced a new Five-Year Defense Plan. Explaining this later, Defense Minister Per Edvin Sköld said that by the end of 1947 it would provide Sweden with a top-ranking motorized army with heavy tanks, more heavy artillery, increase of anti-tank units; rifle clubs would train with machine guns and automatic rifles; officers would come from all ranks; the class of 1940 would be retained six months after their year of training. The navy would have more ships, provided with more effective offense equipment, including submarines (now building), improved destroyers, new torpedo boats, a third 7,000-ton cruiser. There would be a new coast artillery regiment at Gothenberg. New planes and an enlarged air force were provided for; other features were included. This plan, estimated to cost 755,000,000 kronor was laid before the Riksdag on April 9; on June 18, by large majorities in both Chambers, the plan was accepted in principle, with no dissent on giving Sweden strengthened defense in the present war.

Steadiness, with audacity for freedom's sake, characterized her people, her social leaders and groups, her Church, her press. Late in the year, on Sept. 26, in municipal and provincial elections (1,434,231 votes out of 2,285,839) the Social Democratic Party was returned to power.

On Apr. 9, the Swedish nation recognized the second anniversary of Germany's invasion of Denmark and Norway, in public meetings, in pulpit and press. Said one paper in respect to the invasion, it was 'the blackest day in the history of the North'; another's editorial was 'The Disaster Month.' Through the year despite fulminations from Berlin, Swedes in all kinds of groups held meetings, passed resolutions, made speeches in accusation of Germany's behavior. A firmness to accept war deprivations was manifest. A defense loan in April 1940 raised over 799,000,000 kronor; a second loan in July 1941, 603,000,000 kronor; a third opened in January 1942 had by mid-August produced over 1,000,000,000 kronor.

Some 20,000 Finnish children are being cared for. The Swedish-Norway Relief Society is feeding 250 to 300 children daily in Oslo; it plans to extend its work and budget to about $100,000 a month. The 'Save the Child' movement has Swedish sponsors for about 3,000 Norwegian children; $15,000,000 was raised in Sweden for Finnish Relief; efforts are under way to increase Sweden's $4,500,000 for Norway to a like amount. Also in Greece, Swedish agents are administering relief. Official aid included in October a new trade agreement with Denmark; in November, a new trade pact with Finland.

In the fields of trade, industry, shipping, courage is manifest. Swedish imports and exports in the first six months of 1942 dropped below those of the same 1941 period, in each category a decline of roughly 200,000,000 kronor. But both imports and exports rose in May and June 1942. Difficulties faced by industry were countered by accomplishments: in October a process for making rubber from wood (useful for most purposes except motor car tires) was announced. During the year a newly electrified stretch of railway was opened, giving Sweden the longest continuous electrified rail line in any country, about 1,252 miles. In shipping, Sweden since the outbreak of war, had lost by late October 164 ships (700,000 tons) and 987 lives; but she is steadily replacing the vessels, having launched 161,000 gross tons in 1941. More could be built if Germany could keep her promises to supply steel.

In relationships with the United States and Great Britain, bonds have been strengthened. The former accredited Mr. Herschel Johnson as new Minister late in 1941. The British press gave more favorable attention to strong statements of Swedish policies as evidenced by her leaders and people. A Swedish bishop, Brilioth, was awarded the Lambeth Cross in Westminster Abbey by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Under agreement with these two powers and with Germany, Swedish safe conduct vessels, with losses of eight since January 1941, continue their trade. And Swedish ships are on the high seas with relief for stricken lands, or carrying exchanges of officials and private citizens between belligerents.

Beloved of his people and honored throughout the world, the Swedish king, Gustaf V, celebrating in June his 84th birthday remained the symbol of his ancient country, unenfeebled, wise in government, conscience-led.