This extra session of the Riksdag has been called to decide upon the
necessary steps to be taken on account of the action of the Norwegian
Storthing in declaring a dissolution of the union between Sweden and
Norway.
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
Speech of His Majesty King Oscar II in the Hall
of State at the opening of the Swedish Riksdag, extra session,
June 21, 1905.
Good Gentlemen and Swedish Men: More than
ten years have passed since I last called you, representatives of
the Swedish people, to an extra session of the Riksdag. It was then
a question of the interior affairs of the country.
It is matters of quite a different nature which have prompted me, so
soon after the close of the regular session of the Riksdag, to ask
you again to assemble for an extra session, setting aside all other
public and private affairs.
To my sorrow, the Kingdom which for nearly a century has been united
with Sweden by lawful bonds has, against my will and contrary to
sworn agreement, taken steps with a view of freeing itself from
these bonds. Accusations have been made against me for, having
caused these steps by transgressing the constitution; but I have
acted as my conscience dictated, and 1 am convinced that everyone
who impartially considers the circumstances will vindicate me and
find that my action, while it is in every respect in accordance with
the constitution, has been prompted by a sincere and honest
consideration of the welfare of both Kingdoms.
Meanwhile, what has happened is not only an infringement upon my
rights as Norwegian King, but it also has as its object the
dissolution of the union which by agreement with Sweden has hitherto
existed. Thus this intimately concerns the Swedish people, and under
these circumstances, in accordance with my duty, I have called you
together in order that you may have an opportunity of consulting
with me as to the steps and measures which are called for by the
decision of the Storthing, and that we may take the steps which may
be found most suitable for counteracting consequences thereof, which
would be injurious for Sweden.
The proposition which I intend to lay before you in this matter does
not imply the meeting of injustice by force. No matter how important
the union may be for the security of the Scandinavian peoples, it is
not worth the sacrifices which would be rendered necessary by acts
of force. Surely a union thus forced upon Norway would be of slight
use to Sweden.
Nay, may the Swedish people be led by wise self-control, and may God
give Sweden strength and unity to regain within its own boundaries
what it might lose by a dissolution of the union.
Invoking God’s blessing on you and your labors, I remain, good
gentlemen and Swedish men, with all royal grace and favor, ever well
disposed toward you.
