SWEDEN'S ATTEMPTS TO AID JEWS, 1939-1945

Sweden's determination "to avoid entanglement" in the war led to a flexible neutrality.2 Policy makers aware of their country's exposed position opted for policies that were least likely to offend any threatening great power. Russia Sweden's traditional great power nemesis and Germany presented the greatest danger. The acute fear of a German attack remained throughout the period 1940-1943 and occasionally resurfaced even during the later stages of the war. All international issues, and many domestic issues, were linked directly to the question, "what response will this policy likely produce in Germany?" When faced with important questions such as aid to its Scandinavian neighbors or continuation of its "humanitarian" efforts to aid distressed peoples Sweden weighed the potential benefits against potential liabilities. This process sometimes led to inaction or passivity rather than adoption of policies perceived to carry considerable risk. Sweden's response to Germany's policy of extermination of Europe's Jews after 1 94 1 reflects both horror at Germany's action and the caution seemingly demanded by the situation.