King of Sweden's rescript addressed to the President of the Norwegian Storthing, renouncing the Crown of Norway on behalf of himself and any member of his family
Stockholm 26 October 1905
(Translation.)
Now that I have on behalf of Sweden recognized Norway as a
State severed from union with Sweden, I make the following
communication as regards my own position towards Norway and the
occurrences connected with the Resolution of the Storting of the
7th June last.
I hereby express my decision to abdicate the Norwegian Crown,
which, in despite of my upright intentions, has during the past year
brought me so much bitterness, and which, moreover, I could not
for the future wear to any good purpose, seeing that by a Resolution
of the Storting in conflict with the law the Royal prerogative of
suspensory veto has been set aside.
Nevertheless, in truth, I wish only the good of that land and
people which I have from my early youth always sincerely loved,
and whose prosperity it has always lain near my heart to promote in
so far as this object could be combined with the fulfilment of my
duties as King over both realms of the Scandinavian peninsula.
Having regard to the direction which the relations between the two
peoples have taken, I cannot believe that it would be advantageous
either for Sweden or for Norway that any member of my family in
the direct succession should accept election as King in Norway.
Mistrust and suspicion would be sure to arise in both countries, and
would fall upon him as well as myself. Thereby might easily be
disturbed the more friendly feelings which will, I hope, for the good
of both nations, in no long time be once more restored in order to
preserve the peace between the two - from henceforth divided -
realms of the Scandinavian peninsula. I therefore declare that I
am unable to accept the proposal made by the Storting.
To those who have served me with fidelity in Norway during my
reign of thirty-three years, and who still retain any affection for
their former King, I send my heartiest thanks and my sincerest
good wishes.
Palace of Stockholm, the 26th October 1905.
Source
British and foreign papers. 1904-1905, Vol. XCVIII (98), London: Foreign Office, 1909, p. 818-819.
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