Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - XIX. Sweden in 1915
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I have already alluded to the difficulties Sweden had
to face in consequence of the naval blockade, and of the
numerous other hindrances to her revictualling and her
trade.
These difficulties went on increasing, and German
propaganda, clever and admirably carried out, did not
cease directing the point of Swedish public displeasure
at England.
The Christmas festivities of 1915 brought on a curious
attack of this displeasure. Christmas presents, the
famous Yul-Klappor, are an almost sacred custom in
Sweden. Custom demands that even the Swedes who
had emigrated to other countries should exchange
presents at Christmas with their relations and friends
at home. Hence innumerable postal packets arrived
from North America in Sweden towards the end of
December; these parcels are impatiently awaited; they
are always unpacked in the presence of the whole
family. And behold! at Christmas, 1915, all these postal
packets coming from America were stopped by the
English naval authorities, and Sweden received no
Yul-Klappor from the emigrants! The indignation and
agitation were indescribable. Vehement articles in
the newspapers, protest meetings, deputations to the
Government were all resorted to. King Gustaf V.
ended by inviting the British Minister to go and see
him; His Majesty complained of this proceeding which
victimised the whole Swedish people and hurt their
most cherished feelings, and he begged Sir Esme
Howard to transmit to the British Government an
immediate request to repeal this odious measure.
The investigations made in England on the subject
proved that the Yul-Klappor of 1915 included articles
prohibited by the blockade—for instance, pneumatic
tyres; hence it was supposed that these articles were
destined in a roundabout way for Germany. This may
have been true in a few isolated cases; all the same it
would have been better if England had not struck this
blow at the most cherished feelings of the worthy
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