08-04, söndag, Edinburgh (TT-Reuter) - Patrick Maitland analysis of Scandinavian foreign policy

This document, a press report from TT-Reuter dated August 4th, provides an analysis by Patrick Maitland regarding the foreign policy situation in Scandinavia. Maitland, writing in the newspaper Scotsman, highlights the growing anxiety in Scandinavian countries as they face the difficult choice of aligning with the United Nations or being forced to choose between the Eastern and Western power blocs. A significant portion of the report focuses on the public discussion in the Norwegian and Swedish press concerning 'mysterious rocket projects.' Maitland notes that these reports have sparked widespread concern, with speculation regarding whether the rockets originate from the Russian zone or are being utilized by Anglo-Saxon powers to exert political influence. Regardless of their origin, Maitland argues that their political significance is confirmed by the attention they have received. The report further outlines three primary geopolitical problems facing the region: the renewed American demand for an airfield on Iceland, rumors of Soviet discussions with the Norwegian government regarding coal mines on Spitsbergen, and the desire of the Åland Islands to reunite with Sweden. Maitland concludes that Finland remains within the Soviet sphere of influence, and that the future of Denmark is particularly critical due to its impact on access to the Baltic Sea. The report suggests that as long as the Soviet Union perceives no Western pressure on Sweden and Norway, they may avoid taking actions that would force a confrontation over the control of the Baltic entrance.