The Swedish Government's Dilemma: Protecting King Haakon VII During the Nazi Occupation

During World War II, the Nazi occupation of Norway thrust King Haakon VII into a symbolic leadership role as a symbol of Norwegian resistance. Meanwhile, the Swedish government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Per Albin Hansson, navigated a precarious balance between maintaining neutrality and supporting its ally Norway. This article explores the complexities of the situation and the actions taken by the Swedish government to protect King Haakon VII.

The Pressures Faced by the Swedish Government

The Swedish government found itself embroiled in a delicate situation during the Nazi occupation of Norway. As a neutral nation, Sweden was keen to avoid any actions that could be perceived as an act of aggression by Nazi Germany. Should King Haakon VII of Norway visit Sweden, this could potentially provoke a retaliatory response from the Germans, damaging Sweden's neutrality and leading to disastrous consequences.

The Safety of the King

The safety of King Haakon VII was a paramount concern for the Swedish government. The primary worry was that if the king ventured to Sweden and was captured by the Nazis, his life would be endangered, and this could severely undermine the Norwegian resistance movement. Capturing the king would also serve the Nazis' propaganda interests, highlighting their alleged legitimacy in Norway.

Symbolic Importance of the King

King Haakon VII was not just a figurehead but a rallying point for Norwegian nationalism and resistance. Sweden understood the symbolic value of the king remaining in Norway, a symbol of hope and enduring resistance against the oppressive regime. By detaining him, the Swedish government aimed to uphold this image and maintain the morale of the Norwegian people.

King Haakon VII's Visits and the Response of the Swedish Government

King Haakon VII's desire to visit Sweden presented a complex challenge for the Swedish government. On April 12, 1940, at Lillebo in Engerdal (just outside the border), the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Koth, contacted his Swedish colleague Christian Günter for guidance. In response, Günter provided a terse but definitive answer: "Svenska regeringen vill ej p frhnd giva garantier betrffande terresa" or "The Swedish Government cannot in forehand guarantee safe travels."

This rejection was based on the fact that, as a military officer in uniform, King Haakon VII had to be arrested and interned according to international law. Therefore, Sweden could not offer him refuge. The Crown Princess M?rtha and her children, however, managed to cross the border safely and spent several months in Sweden before moving to the United States.

Conclusion

The story of King Haakon VII and the Swedish government during the Nazi occupation reveals the intricate calculations necessary to maintain neutrality while supporting a neighboring ally. The decisions made by the Swedish government highlight the complexities of international relations during wartime and the delicate balance that must be struck to protect national interests and reduce the risk of conflict.