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1914] RUSSIAN ASSURANCES
he so impatiently awaited. The Swedish Foreign
Secretary did not conceal his intense satisfaction:
" What you are bringing me will, I hope, definitely
assure the neutrality of Sweden, for the Russian
declaration will reassure many amongst us as to your supposed
intentions." Almost immediately afterwards the
declaration of the absolute neutrality of Sweden did appear,
and this contributed considerably to the calming of
public opinion.
From that moment there were two absolutely distinct
currents in Sweden: the King, the Government and the
majority of the country adhered to the opinion that
Sweden, as far as possible, ought to safeguard her
neutrality; the other current, that of the activists, on
the contrary, at every favourable opportunity, upheld
the idea of an alliance with Germany, or at least of the
expediency of using firm and even threatening language
to Russia and her allies every time that these Powers
should be tempted to restrict or injure Sweden’s interests
in any way.
Thanks to King Gustaf V.’s sincere love of peace,
to the intelligent and firm policy of M. Wallenberg, and
above all, to the perfect integrity displayed under all
circumstances by the Sovereign and his Minister, the
first current, that of neutrality, definitely prevailed.
It is only now, when the long and terrible struggle is
ended, that one can appreciate the wise and loyal
conduct of these two worthy men at its true value; and
it is only fair to add a third name to theirs, that of the
leader of the Swedish Socialists, M. Branting.
Throughout the course of events, the latter behaved as a Swedish
patriot rather than as the head of an extreme party, and
by this attitude did far more both for the cause of peace
and for his own authority and that of Swedish Socialism
than if he had wished to profit by circumstances to
extract concessions and capitulations from the
Government.
When I say that it is only now that one can appreciate
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