Relations of the United States with Sweden (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1921. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER III The Stralsund Claims At the treaty of Tilsit in 1807, Napoleon and Alexander I of Russia decided between themselves what to do with the rest of the world, and especially with Sweden. Alexander took this step without consulting Sweden regardless of the fact that he had entered into a military convention with Prussia that "they should agree between themselves and with the King of Sweden regarding the steps... to be taken to obtain safety." In direct disregard of these stipulations Russia and Prussia entered into an agreement with Napoleon regarding both armistice and peace without consulting Sweden.1 From a study of the correspondence of the leading characters it seems fairly certain that Prussia wished to keep the King of Sweden uninformed about the agreement in order to assert her ambition of leadership in northern Germany, "which aroused the liveliest uneasiness both in London and Vienna."2 The plan of Alexander seems to have been to advance the interest of Russia by offering Napoleon an alliance against England. To be sure Russia promised to become the mediator between England and France, but the lines along which this was to be done were clearly drawn and contained two mail, principles: 1. The flags of all states were to have similar and complete freedom of the seas; 1 Grade, Sverige och Tilsit Alliansen, 12. 2 Grade, Op. Cit., 14. 2. The French territory and colonies conquered since 1805 should be restored. If England should refuse to accept this offer, all harbors in Germany were to be closed to the commerce of England.3 In regard to Sweden it was stated that Russia ought to conquer Finland in order to relieve the "beautiful ladies of Petersburg" from "hearing the Swedish cannons." Nothing specific seems to have been said regarding Finlan...