She was blockaded by both sides. My point is that one cannot look at it from one side only. Yes she facilitated the Germans at times but at other times she helped out the Allies. That's what neutrality is. Its about negotiating your way through troubled waters as best you can. Foreign trade Sweden was not directly attacked during World War II. It was, however, subject to British and German Naval blockades and accidental bombings from the Soviets on some cities (e.g. Strängnäs), which led to problems with the supply of food and fuels. When Germany invaded Denmark and Norway in April 1940, coupled with a German blockade of the North Sea, every single shipment had to be negotiated with both British and German authorities, which drastically reduced the volume of trade. Between 1938 and 1944, the Swedish import of petroleum products and coal decreased by 88% and 53% respectively, which led to severe shortages. Other critical items were natural rubber, alloy metals and food. This situation led to extensive rationing of fuels and food in Sweden and substitutes were developed and produced. Wood gas was used as a fuel for motor vehicles and oil shale as a substitute for bunker oil.[13] At the beginning of the war, agreements had been signed between Sweden and the United Kingdom and Nazi Germany in order to sustain vital trade; but in spite of this, and the fact that Sweden had declared itself a neutral country, Swedish shipping began to be attacked. Sweden's trade with Britain was cut by a total of 70%. Within the North Sea blockade, trade with Germany increased, until 37% of Sweden's exports were shipped to Germany. For very important goods such as roller bearings for the British aircraft industry, delivery was made by blockade runners, using rebuilt Motor Gun Boats, which could use winter darkness and high speed to penetrate the German blockade of the Skagerrak straits between Norway and the northern tip of Denmark. Before the outbreak of the war, the Swedish Ministry of Defense (Kungl. Flygförvaltningen) had ordered some 300 combat aircraft from the United States, primarily Seversky P-35s and P-66 Vanguards. In 1940, however, the US administration halted these exports. Only about 60 aircraft had been delivered. Sweden succeeded subsequently in buying 200 aircraft from Italy, a fascist ally of Germany at the time; these aircraft were primarily Fiat CR.42s, Reggiane Re.2000s, and Caproni Ca.313s.[14]
Very interesting. So blockaded but not properly occupied. This threads riveting and educational and making me forget that villa are two up.
Fair enough in the case of Sweden whose reputation over the past 50-60 years or more has been simply liberal from an international perspective. Switzerland on the other hand is a different matter altogether. As for my assumption about the Baltic being effectively Nazi occupied, I'd also forgotten that Sweden had a west coast (sorry Scans)! Also having checked it out, didn't realise the Skagerrak straits were that wide. As Chaz says, educational. Thank you.
I knew none of that either, just checked it up on Wiki! I was chancing my arm entirely I thought Swedens west was land-locked with Norway? Shows how much I know. That reminds me of a Billy Connolly story when he said he was having dinner at a stately home and one posh bloke asked him: If you stood Sweden up on its southern most point and allowed it to fall southwards, where would its most northerly point land? Anyone?
If I've understood the question properly, I'd say somewhere around Sarajevo. Right on El Pirata's nut! (Question then would be, who'd take the most damage, the northern Swedes or EP?!)
Japanese fascism somewhat ironically was fundamental in the promotion and eventual rise of post war anti colonialism. Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta later perceived as a massive "Communist threat" by the UScan be seen in photos and videos right alongside their Japanese occupiers, great anthem though. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QvyLkdl1_s (old style spelling)
Blimey! I have avoided this thread because I thought it was a boredom about a foreigner who may or may not join us. It seems to run a bit deeper than that. It's far too late to read through it all now. I'll have a crack at it later. As usual with me, I'll imagine that everything that needs to be said , has already been said. Always the bridemaid never the bride, story of my life. It's nearly time for the day shift to take over. Bed........
The Swedes were rooting for the Germans, obviously not all of them, but a majority, and government backing. They let the soldiers through Sweden to invade Norway, as just one example.
The Germans never really threatened Sweden because of Sweden's iron ore that was needed for making bombs etc. Sweden were one of the wealthiest countries in the world after the war and were financially sound until well into the 1980s because of all the pay-offs from the Nazis.
Rome. But wheredaf*kkisM'Vila when you stand him on the town hall in Rennes and fire him in the direction of Edinborough?
I don't think I have read any thread that has deviated so much from the OP. definitely not a thread that I want to get involved in.
This (abandoned) thread has been officially occupied by a fanatical group of history anoraks! The retention of a footballer's name in the thread title cleverly camouflages content to protect it from off-topic puritans who would restrict the board's activities to QPR / football only. (From a mod viewpoint, don't care as long as people avoid baiting or otherwise ****ing each other off!)
Search parties out looking as we speak. The Rennes patrol are reporting early sightings around the town hall area!
