In December 1914, the kings of the three Scandinavian countries had met in Malmö to make a joint declaration of absolute neutrality. The Danish population, however, felt a sympathy towards the Entente, whereas people in Norway and, in particular, Sweden were inclined to take the side of Germany. On 6th February, the Swedish king Gustav V had made a propaganda address, written by the explorer Sven Hedin earlier in the year, which indirectly called for entry into the war on Germany’s side – with no success.

The substantial trade links between Scandinavia and Germany, however, survived the outbreak of war – Sweden continued to supply iron ore to the German armaments industry. Under pressure from France and Great Britain, however, the Scandinavian countries relented and reduced the volume of trade with Germany.