Scandinavia, the Gem of the Baltic

With Nazi propagandists baying on her borders, Denmark has issued an appeal to Norway and Sweden for a united front against Hitlerism, external and internal. The external attack which the Danes fear is an attempt by Germany to seize Schleswig, that famous member of the Schleswig-Holstein duet which was such a factor in European politics of yester-year. The theft of Schleswig, they say, is one of the primary objects of the Nazi regime, being desired not simply as an additional pasture for German cows, but as a symbol of Teuton expansion and the first of many successful conquests; the annexation of this province would be the aperitif for the much advertised feasts to come. And the Danes, farmers to the core and Social Democrats as well, are in no mood to ignore threats at their fertile lands and cooperative organizations. But to rally Norway and Sweden behind them may be difficult, for besides the customary international jealousies, Norway is very poutish over Denmark's action in the Greenland case which was settled at the Hague, and Sweden has always been rather friendly with Germany.

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It is not unlikely, on the other hand, that a Scandinavian union will be achieved shortly. Already in Norway and in Sweden the internal attack of Fascism is beginning; before it becomes too potent, the Liberal and Labor parties of each nation may find it logic to oppose the foreign menace no less than the domestic, thus gravitating toward triple agreements with Denmark against Herr Hitler. Though the Fascist movement in Norway has not made startling progress as yet, it is still very young. Moreover, if its strength lies in the ineptitude of the democracy it opposes, then it has ample grounds for optimism. The Labor Party in Norway has barely missed a clear majority over the Conservatives and Liberals, and will not have another chance to get it for three long years. This means, naturally, either losing what power it now has by advocating radical steps which a coalition of their opponents can defeat, or pursuing a moderate, compromise policy to win the support of the Liberals. If they choose the latter, the result may be the same as in Germany; the Fascist party demanding drastic quick action will thrive and grow fat on the "gradualism" of the government.

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As for Sweden, the Nazis have made a good beginning and look forward with hope based on the possibilities of exploiting nationalist feeling to the full and making the most of the existing cultural affiliations with Germany, home of fellow Nordics. And as in Norway and elsewhere, the Nazis' biggest card will be the Social Democrats' sentimental worship of Democracy, regardless of the growth of those pledged, and likely, to destroy it forever. CASTOR.