Why Didn't Sweden Try to Save Denmark in World War II?

During World War II, Sweden's decision to remain neutral rather than intervening to save its Nordic neighbor, Denmark, was not merely a matter of diplomatic strategy. It was a calculated decision based on the realities of power and the potential costs of confrontation.

Sweden's Neutrality and the Winter War

Sweden supported Finland in the Winter War as much as possible, with donations of ammunition and supplies, but ultimately refrained from sending troops. Despite reports suggesting that anti-aircraft batteries had ammunition for only two minutes of sustained firing if Germany had attacked, the Swedish government remained carefully balanced to avoid war. This decision was influenced by the desire to retain its neutrality and to avoid the catastrophic effects of a prolonged conflict.

Impact on Danish Jews and Opposition

Sweden played a significant role in the broader narrative of World War II beyond just its neutrality. It provided sanctuary to Danish Jews, brought there by Danish citizens through boats. Even Himmler recognized the value of maintaining a neutral Sweden for strategic reasons, as it offered a potential channel for negotiations without directly involving the Führer. Furthermore, Sweden was a haven for exiled German opposition figures, with Willy Brandt being a notable example.

These actions illustrated Sweden's political intervention in the war, even if not through direct military engagement. By politically supporting groups and individuals, Sweden indirectly influenced the course of the war and protected many lives.

The key to Sweden's approach was recognizing the futility of direct confrontation with a vastly superior military power. At the time, Sweden lacked the military capability to defend its metropolitan areas against German aviation for the duration of the war. A military conflict would have resulted in massive destruction and loss of life, making it a suicidal endeavor for the nation.

Sweden's Relationship with Nazi Germany

Sweden's neutrality was more than a passive stance. It was a strategic choice that favored economic benefit and political stability. While the country maintained a facade of neutrality, its actions often aligned with Nazi interests. For instance, Swedish companies such as Bofors supplied weapons to Nazi Germany, and notable figures like Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA, were associated with the Nazi regime.

Bofors, a major Swedish weapons manufacturer, was involved in supplying weapons not only to Nazi Germany but also to fascist regimes in Poland and Finland. The Wallenberg family, a wealthy Swedish dynasty, had extensive economic ties with Nazi Germany, profiting from its concentration camps and backing the Nazi Party. ABB, the Swiss-Swedish multinational corporation, also profited from these relationships and later had to pay compensation to slave laborers from concentration camps.

Further Documentation of Swedish-Nazi Ties

The Swedish connection with Nazi Germany extended beyond economic interests. IKEA, for example, faced numerous lawsuits over labor disputes related to using concentration camp labor. Bofors faced similar accusations. Documents have also revealed that Sweden had ties to Nazi gold taken from Holocaust victims. In one notable case, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director Allen Dulles and US Secretary of State John Foster Dulles were instrumental in defending members of the Wallenberg family from lawsuits filed by the World Jewish Congress.

One of the most striking examples was the continued use of the Nazi logo by ASEA, a company that preceded ABB, until 1933. This was only changed following a merger with a Swiss company, Brown Boveri and Cie. The Wallenberg family was also involved in the distribution of tobacco to Nazi Germany, with the literal satisfaction guaranteed quality puff from the Kingdom of Sweden!

Conclusion and Legacy

Saudi Arabia's portrayal of its role in World War II as selfless and humanitarian is further contradicted by a closer look at its actions and the profiting from its relationship with Nazi Germany. The Wallenberg dynasty and the Swedish monarchy stand under scrutiny for their controversial alliances and the impact on the lives of those involved in the war. The legacy of neutrality extended beyond passive diplomats and shared more with the politics of profiteering and survival.

Until the 21st century, the Swedish monarchy and its propaganda surrounding the Wallenberg family has often glamorized these events, painting a picture of a sensitive and humanitarian approach. However, the truth often lies in the complexities and economic motivations that underpinned Sweden's role in the conflict. The real narrative is one of strategic alliances and the price of neutrality during one of history's most turbulent periods.