The anticipations of a satisfactory settlement between Sweden and Norway
have been happily realised, the delegates at the Karlstad Conference having agreed on a Convention, which will doubtless be shortly ratified by the Riksdag and the Storthing. The Agreement provides for the submitting to the Hague Arbitration Court of matters of dispute which do not affect the independence, integrity, or vital interests of either country. It establishes a neutral zone on both sides of the southern frontier of the two countries, and settles the question of fortifications on the basis of a compromise. Sweden concedes the retention of the Kongsvinger forts, and of the old works at Fredriksten, Gyldenlove, and Overbjerget, but insists on the demolition of all others within the neutral zone. The remaining sections provide for the recognition of the grazing rights of the Laplanders, for the through traffic between the two countries, and for the use of common water- ways. As regards the method of procedure, it is arranged that when the Agreement has been ratified by the Parliaments of both countries, the Swedish Riksdag will be asked to repeal the Act of Union, and to authorise the King to recognise Norway. The Treaties will then be signed, Sweden will notify the foreign Powers of her recognition of Norway's inde- pendence, and each country will formally disclaim the responsibility for Treaty obligations undertaken by them in common. The publication of the Convention has been received calmly in both countries, in spite of the painful impression created by an interview with King Oscar, published in a French paper, in which the Sovereign complains bitterly of the action of the Norwegians.
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