Daily Mail, Monday 25 September 1905 page 7
(From Our Special Correspondent.)
CHRISTIANA, Sunday, Sept. 24
The final meeting of the Swedish and Norwegian delegates appointed to discuss the terms of the dissolution commenced at Karlstad on Saturday at two o’clock.
It was thought that the protocols had only to be signed, and the delgates were expected to leave for Stockholm and Christiania at three o’clock in the afternoon by special trains. The conference, however, was unexpectedly prolonged, and it was not until ten minutes past six that the agreement was signed.
The Swedish Premier, M. Lundeberg, at the conclusion of the last meeting, expressed a wish that the result of the conference might make for the future good understanding of the two countries which were about to bid each other a cordial farewell.
The news of the termination of the conference spread rapidly from Karlstad, and large crowds assembled at the railway stations and telegraph offices. Everywhere there is a feeling of gratification that war has been averted and modus vivendi arrived at.
Swedish and Norwegian edition of the agreement, which is of considerable length, will probably be published tomorrow. Though Karlstad has been full of both Scandianavian and foreign reporters, secrecy has been scrupulously preserved, and the terms are absolutely unknown here. The Norwegian Press and public are prepared to hear that large concessions, compatible with the country’s honour and safety, have been made. It is supposed that Sweden has concede an extensive arbitration treaty, guaranteed by the European Powers, in return for Norway’s compliance.
It now remains for the Parliaments of both countries to ratify the agreement. Though there is sure to be a small amount of discontent in both countries, it is certain that the agreement will be upheld.
In Norway of late there has been some Press discussion as to the future form of government. The majority desire a monarchy, and Prince Charles of Denmark’s candidature is particularly popular. The claim of any Swedish prince is considered impossible after the events of the last few weeks and Kind Oscar’s many declarations on the subject. It is reported that the Swedish dynasty strongly opposes Prince Charles’s candidature, a fact which would make King Christian’s consent a matter of difficulty. Hopes are still entertained, however, of Prince Charles’s success.
Prince George of Greece and Crete is also mentioned as a possible choice. In any case, the question will be solved immediately the agreement is ratified, when King Oscar’s definite and official answer to the offer of the throne to a Bernadotte prince will be demanded with the shortest delay.
B.W. Norregaard
At the Council held in Stockholm yesterday under the presidency of the Prince Regent, it was decided to summon a special meeting of the Riksdag for October 2.
(From Our Own Correspondent.)
STOCKHOLM, Saturday, Sept, 23
I am in a position to state that the Norwegians have yielded on all vital points, recognising the hopelessness of expecting foreign intervention on their behalf.
When the history of the Karlstad conference comes to be written, it will be found that the "Daily Mail’s" disclosures as to the Norwegian military prepartations contributed largely to prevent an appeal to arms.
Oppdatert 24.08.04
Wigo H. Skråmm, Fetsund - Nils
Steinar Våge, Lillestrøm