The Anarcho-Syndicalist Commune wrote:Stockholm, Norstedtshuset
September 18, 1949The late 1800s palacial building stood tallish in the Stockholm skyline after the bombings. Smoke still rose over the city, although this was more from "Revolutionary" fires at the bomb sites than actual wreckage at this point. Large VF banners swayed in the first winter winds across the city, the red rifle and hammer emblazoned upon the black field. Oskar Nils stood, looking out his new office window. A week before he had been the leader of men who were forced to hide in cellars. Now, he and the VF were ascendant, the true government of Sweden and pushing out from Stockholm.
Smiling, he turned around and faced the picture camera that he had brought into his office. Unlike those of the past, this Revolution would be broadcast. Speaking into a microphone on his desk, the speech came out clear and concise "To the men, women, and children of Sweden and the World. This is Provisional Governor of Sweden, Oskar Nils, broadcasting from Stockholm. I am speaking to you over radio, as well as recording my speech today, so that the world may hear my voice unmoderated. I am sure you have heard many things about the actions we were forced to take in Stockholm a little under a week ago. While I need not justify these to Monarchists and Conservatives, I know that many among you have been misled by other perpetrators of opression to believe that this was an unprovoked attack. This is false. For years now the king and his government have dragged their feet and sealed away our people from the outside world. They stole our rights as citizens, and denied those who sought refuge on our shores.
If I may quote the American Declaration of Independence 'When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.' The crimes of our monarchy are numerous, and we have seen fit to seperate our country from them. Our cause is just and legal, we are the Swedish people, and this is our choice. To the swaths of the military who have already joined us, I thank you for making the right choice. To those who remain with the false "General's Council", I say this. Know that from the broadcast of this speech onwards, you will be considered traitors to Sweden. A state of war shall exist between Folkhemmet and you. We shall not show mercy to you, or any other entrapments of the monarchy that remain. The option to defect shall remain open for another week, but beyond that, you shall be a traitor for life. This is our declaration. This is our creed."
Malmo, HF Headquarters
19 September, 1949Klas slammed the phone back down on the receiver before grabbing his head tightly. The "General's Council" as the military had taken to calling themselves was as arrogant as Erlander's government had been. Not only had they refused the aid that the HF had offered them, but they had left it on no uncertain terms that the HF were to disband, or be disbanded. No. He wouldn't let that happen. He had fought too long, too hard for his people. He would stand his ground against military tyranny and Communist assault. The HF would stand tall into the future.
London, England, September 20, 1949, 9 AM
With the Swedish situation devolving into civil war, the Prime Minister considers his options with Chief of the General Staff Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, Minister of Defense A. V. Alexander , First Lord of the Admiralty George Hall, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ernest Bevin, and commander of the Special Air Service Field Marshal Alan Brooke. "If Sweden falls to communism, it could be a catastrophe for NATO forces in Europe. But, we can't intervene with the main forces as it will give the Soviet Union a casus belli for war against the West. Any options, gentleman?" Ernest Bevin speaks up first "There are 3 factions in the Swedish Civil War at the moment, the Vänsterförsvar, a communist group who currently holds Stockholm, and the Herrförsvar, which is a anti-communist group with its headquarters in Malmo. There is also the General's Council, who has been NATO supporting. The Swedish Government has been dissolved and reformed by the Vänsterförsvar, but the General's Council control most of the military. Our best bet for a democratic state to be restored to Sweden is by the General's Council."
Montgomery speaks out second "As the British military can't get directly involved without triggering the Soviet Union and possibly the United Nations Security Council, that means that we have very limited options to support the Council. If the Soviets wasn't a problem, than we could send a small force of normal troops to intervene. But, we need all of our forces to defend the Empire, except for one. Prime Minister, I present Field Marshal Alan Brooke, commander of the Special Air Service." Alan steps up "Sir, the Special Air Service is perfect for this matter, but with the lack of transport planes and gliders, it would be hard to get them in there undetected." George Hall steps up "But, HMS
Ark Royal has a group of transport helicopters that could land our forces near their headquarters when we find it. But, it would have to be under the cover of night, so the Soviets have no chance of finding our ships with submarines. We can be ready as soon as the Special Air Service are on board." The Prime Minister responds "Excellent, Ernest, I want the British Embassy in Stockholm evacuated, as we don't support a communist government. They will be evacuated by
Ark Royal's helicopters to London. From the
Ark Royal a helicopter will transport one of our diplomats to The General Council's HQ once we find it, where he hopefully will talk to the commander of the General's Council about having the 22 Special Air Service Regiment of 400 men there to assist their forces. Brooke, if they say yes, I want boots on the ground by 0900 hrs the next day. You will personally lead this operation, along with give daily reports to Field Marshal Montgomery, who will report them to me. Understood?" All the men say "Yes Sir!" "Then get to work"
Stockholm, Sweden, 11:30 AM
A group of 5 Westland Dragonfly transport helicopters have begun the evacuation of the British Embassy in Stockholm. Doing it without the authorization of the Swedish Government, they plan to have them move southbound towards the
Ark Royal to refuel, and then fly to Oldenburg to refuel, and then finally to London, England until the civil war is over.