In drawing attention to the subjoined, I would further bring to mind that the seat of war in Europe is limited in the proportion in which the number of neutralized States grows, a condition of things which may little by little in an essential degree impede or prevent the outbreak of war; that the peculiar situation of Sweden (greatly superior, for example, to Belgium or Switzerland) must naturally facilitate its neutralization; that, lastly, the neutrality proposed does not stand in the way of arranging our own defence, but that rather, in case Parliament rejects his Majesty's army bill, adapts itself powerfully to contribute to a right solution of the _Defence question_; and so much the more, as all suspicion that that old vexed question aims perhaps at something more and other than DEFENCE of the country would thereby disappear. For this reason--and since we cannot expect that other powers should take the first step and offer us what we do not ask for--I respectfully propose:-- _That Parliament shall in writing express to the king its desire that it might please his Majesty to initiate, amongst the states with which Sweden has diplomatic relations, negotiations for bringing about a permanent guaranteed[26] neutrality of Sweden, in harmony with the principles of modern international law._ K.P. ARNOLDSON. STOCKHOLM, _February, 1883_. This motion was supported by-- S.A. HEDLUND, WILL. FARUP, J. ANDERSSON, Tenhuset, J.E. ERICSSON, Alberta, PER PERSSON, F.F. BORG, J. JONASSEN, Gullahs, C.J. SVEN'S, A. TH. WAYLEN'S, P.M. LARSON, LA, P.G. PETERSON, ARVID GUMOELIUS, J. JONASSEN, ERIC OLSSON, J.A. ERICSSON, LARS NILSSON, C.G. OTTERBORG.] [Footnote 19: Taken from the following communication: At a meeting, March 31st, 1883, of the Association of members of the Storting, a document was presented, being a motion in the Second Chamber, No. 97, respecting the Neutralization of Sweden; which document was sent to the president of the meeting by a Swedish M.P. In consequence of this the following declaration and resolution was voted unanimously: Recognising that the neutralization of a single country is in the interest of universal peace; that being secured from foreign attack by stronger nations, gives ability to use its own resources and develop its institutions, including its defence, according to its special requirements; that the condition and situation of our country give equal opportunity for working for this object, and facilities for its attainment; and that the action taken in the Swedish Rigsdag upon the question, seriously calls our attention to it on the ground of the constitutional relation between the kingdoms and their union in war and in peace; a committee is requested to take into consideration, how the question may be subjected to further attention. A. QUAM, Secretary of the Association.] [Footnote 20: Protocol of the Second Chamber, No 33, April 28th, 1883.]