Le Nord : revue internationale des Pays de Nord - 01.06.1938, Blaðsíða 19

WHEN KINGS AND FOREIGN MINISTERS MEET n
In 1310 King Haakon IV of Norway met with King Erik
VII Menved of Denmark and King Birger of Sweden in Hál-
singborg on the Sound; old dissensions were settled and King Haa-
kon’s daughter was betrothed to King Birger’s brother, Erik, and
his niece, the daughter of his elder brother, the late King Erik,
to Birger’s brother Valdemar; they were both married in Oslo
in 1312. Erik’s son, Magnus, became heir to the throne of Norway.
In 1363 King Haakon VI of Norway, the grandson of Erik,
with his father, King Magnus óf Sweden, met with King Val-
demar of Denmark and celebrated the wedding of King Haakon
and princess Margrete of Denmark, which resulted in the union
of the three Northern Countries in 1389.
So old and memorable historical traditions were stirred when
the three Kings met in Malmö in December, 1914; and the step
taken by King Gustaf was supported by a strong current of
deep feeling and sympathy in all three countries.
The following communiqué was published after the meeting:
»The session was opened by King Gustaf on the i8th of
December. In his speech he referred to the fact that the three
countries were of the same mind in the question of upholding
their neutrality, and mentioned their wish to continue to col-
laborate for the protection of mutual interests. The King said
that he had invited the monarchs of Denmark and Norway to
this conference being cognizant of their responsibility to this age
and to the ages to come to see that nothing should be omitted
which might benefit all three nations.
»King Gustaf’s speech was answered by King Haakon and
King Christian. They both affirmed their heart-felt satisfaction
that King Gustaf had taken this initiative, at the same time ex-
pressing their hope that this meeting would give good and bene-
ficial results for the three nations.
»The meeting ended in the afternoon of the i9th. The discus-
sions between the Kings and their Foreign Ministers have served
not only to strengthen the existing good and friendly relations
between the three Northern Countries; but during the delibera-
tions unanimity has been ascertained concerning special questions
having been brought under discussion from one country or
another. Further it has been agreed to continue the collaboration
which has been so happily inaugurated, and with this in view
to let representatives of the three governments meet again when
circumstances make this advisable.«