Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1916-08-01
VAR BLOCKADE
CRIPPLES SWEDEN
ScandinavianS Feel That
U. S. Does Not Compre-
bend the Situation
BOTH NORWAY AND
DENMARK PROFIT

STOCKHOLM. Sweden. August L.
While much has been said and writ
ten in the United States regarding the
British blockade and its effect upon
the neutral nations there still exists
here feeling among Government
officials and commercial interests
that the American people as a whole
do not fully comprehend the sltua-
ton. They assert that in tightening
her ring of steel" around Germany.
Great Britain has arbitrarily put the
three neutral countries of northern
Europe ION 'rations." The British Off
cials in charge of the blockade permit
these countries to have only what the
officials think they should have, not
what the countries proclaim they
need.
In the case OF Norway and Den
mark, which are considered pro-Ally,
the "rations" basis is maintained by
agreement. In the case of Sweden,
which is pro-German, it is enforced
by British sea power, by seizure Of
neutral ships at sea and detensiOn of
goods in English harbors. Some
scandinavian ships en- route to
Sweden from South America, recently
have been entirely emptied of cargo
and sent TO their home ports as pau
pers of the ocean highway.
Sweden Grows ReseItful.
There are many evidences of in
creasing resentment against Great
Britain on the part of the Swedish
people The newspapers are begin
ming to comment more freely upon
what they say is practice ''in viola
ton of all international lava flag
rant misuse Of power against the I'M
questionable rights Of weaker ma
tons"
Swedish Government officials and
Swedish merchants alike do not hest
tate to say they have hoped against
hope that the United States take a
q stand in behalf OF the neutral coun-
tries which would bring about a more
reasonable enforcement of the block
ade. They have protested in vain 10
Great Britain and have endeavored to
take such retaliatory steps as were at
sweden's commend. But they realize
that Sweden is in no position and has
neither the resources nor the mill
tary importance to gain for her pro-
tests favorable consideration.
Want Uncle Sam TO Act.
Scandinavian newspapers and Of
fcials argue that the United States
has a most potent weapon to use
against the Allies to bring about "a
more lawful conduct Of the blockade u
They firmly believe that II the United
States Government would threaten Il
forbid the export of munitions Of wal
and to declare unlawful any loans Il
belligerent nations. England would
quickly be brought to terms. II is
felt here that the United States has a
great opportunity at this time Il
build up permanent trade with the
Scandinavian countries. but the
blockade. coupled with the detention
and censorship of neutral mails. Is
making progress most difficult.
The Scandinavians would be per-
fectly willing. they say. to let Amer
lea dictate the conditions of the
blockade; they dc not feel that they
should be left arbitrarily to the will
Of Great Britain.
One effect Of the blockade has been
TO place food supplies in the hands OF
spectators. who are demanding ex-
orbitant prices for their wares. Oddly
enough a great majority of these
spectators are said to be Germans
Many months ago they bought for
shipment to Germany supplies moi
covered by re-eNport agreements, but
soon found prices were soaring Ia
such high figures here in Swaden,
that it was more profitable to hold
their goods and resell to the Swedish
people. This is particularly true oil
coffee No people in all the world
owe their coffee like the Swedes Al