The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-12-01
KAISER THREATENS NORWAY.
GERMANY SAID TO BE PLANNING
OCCUPATION OF DEN
MARK.
rear That Norway May Enter War OH
Side or Allies Excitcs Germany and
Brings Threat to Attack Scandina-
Wan Nation.

Copenhagen, Nov. 27.--Rehind the
OF the Scandinavian mon
nrchs and ministers at Christiania
this week lies the fear. unfounded
though 1T may be- Of Norway's entry
into the war and of the German men,
ace that. in this case, she should feel
called upon to ccupy Denmark as a
measure.
The Associated Press learned from
responsible source that the confer
ence which was arranged in conse-
quence Of an intimation from Ger
many that the growth OF anti German
sentiment in Norway. particularly af-
ter the sinking of the convoy in the
North sea. by German cruisers, is be-
ing followed with concern by Ger
many and that it is feared that Nor
way might be impelled, either by ex-
cited public opinion or pressure from
the allied side, to enter the struggle
at least to the point of granting a ma
val base to England and the United
States. in which event Germany would
feel called upon to seize g. correspond
ing base i'm Denmark.
Upon the receipt of this information
at Copenhagen. word was hurriedly
sent to King Gustave of Sweden and
Denmark's most prominent citizen,
President Andersen. Of the Danish
Fast Asiatic Company. who is high in
the confidence Of Berlin as well as
London. was dispatched to Berlin to
verify the report and IL possible to
change the German attitude Mr..
Andersen conferred with Won Kuehl-
mann. secretary for foreign affairs at
Berlin, and he confirmed the report
adding that i'm consequence Of the Ital-
ian and Russian developments the
military and pan-German elements
were again In the saddle in Germany
and exerting influence against which
the foreign Office. with its most mod
crate views, found 1t almost difficult
TO contend.
King Gustave came to Copenhagen
and spent q day in conference with
King Constantine. President Andersen
ard the Danish ministers the subject
matter Of the conference being cover
cd by a gala performance. or opera,
and ceremonial banquet. AS q re-
suit OF the conference a decision was
reached to make every possible ef-
Tort to moderate the excited Nor
wegian sentiment and continue the
three Scandinavian Kingdoms in the
path OF Joint neutrality.
King Gustave returned to Stock
holm and launched the suggestion of
conference of the three kings, ac-
by the premiers and for
eign ministers at Christiania. which
was accomplished. the Norwegians
being battered with the thought of the
irst visit from a Swedish monarch I'm
he Norwegian capital since the sepa-
'ation OF the two countries.
IT is difficult to Judge how far Ger
many was actuated in it's step by
genuine fear of Norwegian action
now far by a desire to force Norway
INTO toning down it's strongly anti
ierman sentiment and wave the "big
SUCK" over the three countries dur
ing the pending negotiation with the
nlted States and the entente regard
ing the embargo and thereby get as
good bargain as possible for Ger
many. On the one hand, prominent
declare that war sentI-
ment In their country is negligible
me same view has been expresed IN
statement in the Norwegian por.
lament probably inspired by the Ger
man warning. On the other hand
Germany Is evidently perturbed bv the
state OF Norwegian public opinion.
The German minister to NORWAY Ad.
niiral Won Hintze. who il is reported
mad been sent to that country as tho
apostle OF the strong hand. has beop
Berlin to report on the Sit
uation.
---------------