Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1917-07-14
(By G. S. Strandvold, Herald Staff
Writer.)

Realizing that the> probability of
Scandinavia becoming involved in the
world war is less remote at this time
made arrangements to publish a SER
les of articles on the actual conditions
prevailing in Norway, Denmark and
Sweden. These articles will be based
on material compiled through press
cables as we'll as through the news
papers and private information from
ne three countries.
The first installment, appearing to-
day, deals In a general way with the
probability of Scandinavian countries
changing their neutral status.
The danish and Swedish newspa-
pers nave been especially caustic in
their comments while the Norwegian
press appears to be a little more re-
strained, despite the fact that Nor
way has suffered more as a conse-
quence Of the war than any other
neutral country.
The fact that the United States gov
eminent finally has taken the dreaded
step of placing embargo on export Of
foodstusff to neutral countries, has
created a censation throughout Nor
way, Sweden and Denmark, and con-
siderable fear and indignation is be-
ing expressed in the organs of public
opinion in those three countries.
h war than n other neutral coun-
try.
Recent German intr1gues. aiming at
the further destruction of Norwegian
shipping In home ports, have served
to increase indignation among the
population. but comments on the Am
erlcan embargo, have, according to
cabled excerpts. been comparatively
mild.
The question Of right and wrong in
the expert embargo will be taken up
In details In later installments. For
the present purpose it will suffice to
say that many Scandinav1ans in this
country as we'll as in their home
countries believe the American en-
barge to be the beginning Of a series
Of efforts which purpose to compel
the Scandinavians to join the allies in
active warfare against the enemies of
humanity.
How will a possible war situation
be met by the three nations?
The answer to such a question must
be based upon present conditions.
AS far as Norway is concerned,
friendly relations with Germany ap-
pear to be approaching the breaking
point, and the events of the last few
months in Sweden seem to indicate
that something serious is expected.
The present Swedish. government is
conservative n the population has
repeatedly exhibited distrust and dis
satisfaction with the government pol
Icy which aims at maintaining friend
J ly relations with the allies as welt az
with the Central powers thing
which is really as impossible as it is
supposed to be strictly neutral.
In Denmark the condition just now
Is unstable, chiefly because Of inner
political strife occasioned by the par
ticipatton Of a member of the cabinet
in the recent socialistic peace confer
ence In Stockholm. The government
is as radical in its views as the Swed-
ish government is conservative. Still,
1t has succeeded in maintaining a
benevolent neutrality without too
grea disasters.
1t is quite clear hat the three
countries are suffering indescribably
from the unrestricted German sub
newspapers convey only a partial i'm
preston Of the seriousness Of the sit
uation. An accurate and complete
opinion can be formed only through
the medium Of correspondence with
private parties or through CONVERSE
ton with people who have recently
visited Scandinavia.
All reports agree that Scandinavia
Is suffering just as seriously as though
the three Countries were actually in a
state of war. Anyhow, 1t can be said
that they have %suficient reasons for
entering the war II it seems incom-
pattble with their national dignity to
continue as p%eutrals. Many of the
countries which are now involved in
the universal catastrophe, have had
far less j~ustifoahon for entering the
war, than Scandinavia would have.
But Norway, Denmark and Sweden
of bravery or virility. but because it is
a very dangerous thing for these
countries to invite the of war,
lying as they do surrounded by DOW
erful belleerents Cautiousness in pub
lie utterances has characterized Scan
dinavian comments on the develop
ment of the war. Opinions have been
rather restrained. especially in Den
mark, which is the most vulnerable
spot in Scandinavia.
Another circumstance which ac-
counts for the continued neutrality of
the north is the increasing friendship
among the three countries. They feel
that they must stand or fall to-
gether. and while no political union
is thinkable at this time, it is a fact
that The feeling of common LANCER
gether than over before.
For some time after 1897 the three
countries formed a union which was
organized by Queen Margaret. sthe
Semiramis Of the North" but it can
not be said hat there was any pro
found popular. feeling in favor of
Scandinavian unity. At that time
Kings and princes decided all the ma