Original subtitles

BASED ON REAL EVENTS

I think I can loosen it.

It's just not working!

Wha… what is this?

Ah, I don't believe it.

What is this shit they've given us?

- Sven! - What is it?

See for yourself!

I… I need to make the phone call.

STOCKHOLM MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Oh, no!

On 15th July, 1942…

Oh, my God!

…the alarm was sounded that Germany had launched an invasion of Sweden.

The war is here! The Germans!

CABINET SECRETARY SÖDERSTRÖM

- They've attacked! - God!

The Germans have attacked! They're here! They're coming for us!

- Then we must inform the Foreign Minister. - Yes.

Oh…

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS GÜNTHER

But what did we do wrong? We've done all they've asked of us.

- Ring up the German Embassy. - Oh god, dear God…

But of course. Why would they spare Sweden?

- Norway, Denmark, Belgium… - Shhh…

- Yes, hello? - Oh, good morning.

I'm calling to gather some information from you

regarding your attack on Sweden this morning.

What are you talking about?

FALSE ALARM!

- The Swedes think we're attacking them. - What?

- Idiots! - You're not serious?

Excuse me… yes, yes, mm…

So…

That's that, Foreign Minister…

THE SWEDISH CONNECTION

I'll return to…

In 1942, Sweden was a lonely country

surrounded by German-occupied nations.

They claimed to be neutral,

but agreed to pretty much anything Hitler asked for.

German troops were allowed to move freely through the country.

And Swedish industry supplied the German army

with iron ore and ball bearings.

And at this point, virtually no one outside of Germany

had any idea of what was happening to the Jews.

Jews? We're pretty occupied trying to win this bloody war!

But in Sweden, they weren't quite as occupied.

PRIME MINISTER P.A. HANSSON

Excuse me, Prime Minister!

A case regarding a Jewish man?

Uh, no, give it to the, um… Foreign Minister.

- Jewish? - Yes.

Well, I'm off to the races. Give it to Söderström.

It's not for immigration. No. It's for Gösta.

Gösta?

Engzell. Bald head.

Downstairs… legal department. He's in charge of asylum cases.

GÖSTA ENGZELL LEGAL DEPARTMENT

Papa…

Göran told me you work for Hitler. What do you do?

Now, now, that's not true at all. I work in diplomacy.

What's that?

You remember that time you were playing and kicked a ball

into Jonsson's living room?

Mm-hm.

Well, Jonsson was very angry with you, but you didn't go over and talk to him.

I went over and straightened things out with him.

That's diplomacy.

As a diplomat,

sometimes your Papa has to talk to Sweden's neighbours.

I thought he sat in a cellar all day and stamped papers.

Yes.

All right then.

What did you say to the Jonssons, Dad?

Well, I… I had to use a little style and finesse.

Hey, no. He took a sponge cake over.

Is that what you call diplomacy, Papa?

Can we please not touch the wireless, Göran?

It's for listening to the news, not this awful modern American noise.

Yes, Papa.

So you give sponge cakes to Hitler then, Dad?

LEGAL DE ARTMENT

Uh… Mm.

Engzell? Where is he?

Good afternoon. He's through there.

This is for you.

A Jewish case.

Mrs Johansson?

Thank you. Oh, another one?

Gösta Engzell has been head of the Legal Department for six years,

which means that he was there in 1938

when Sweden convinced the German authorities

to stamp a "J" in the passports of German Jews.

- Great work. Very good. Well done. - Thanks a lot. A great day.

You might be wondering why I'm telling you all of this.

Gösta is hardly a household name.

As I was saying…

He's a nobody.

Where's the champagne?

But keep watching

and you'll soon find out what a nobody can do.

Our story starts one year before I met Gösta.

1942 AGAIN.

- Good morning. - Hello, good morning.

I'm Rut Vogl. Hello.

Today is my first day.

I'm asking you to take a closer look at this.

- I really need to get my family safe. - Yes.

Yes, I totally understand… your situation.

But we have rules and regulations that we simply must adhere to, I'm afraid.

Yeah, it's the sewage pipes. You'll get used to it.

Welcome to Legal.

Uh, 6.2 metres.

Yes. Write it down, please. That will add to our argument.

This just… this just isn't healthy.

Let me introduce you to Ms Rut Vogl.

- You have space to work there, Ms Vogl. - Mm-hm.

Uh… Vogl?

- Yes. - Uh-huh.

- Yes, Vogl. She's German. - Oh. Oh, she's German? I see.

The SS are arresting every Jew that they round up.

There are so many rumours, I know…

They are not rumours.

I have another meeting, I'm afraid.

You can book another and then… we'll…

W… We'll see what we can, can do.

- But there's nothing we can do right now. - All right.

- Let me show you out. - No, thank you.

Mrs Johansson, you're supposed to join me for the cabinet meeting.

- Ms Rut Vogl will join you. - Who's Ms… Rut Vogl?

- My replacement for when I retire. - Oh.

- Hello. - Hello.

Here are the dimensions of the office.

So Mr Engzell, don't you come back

with anything less than a new, larger office.

Yes, yes, yes.

There are reports of some further unrest in Norway.

Recently, around 100 Jewish men were arrested.

The Norwegians have handled it

by not allowing the press to write about it.

And Nils-Erik, you need to make sure the Swedish press doesn't either.

Yeah. Yes, of course.

Nils-Erik Eklund.

Or "Censor-Nils" as he was known,

was in charge of Sweden's self-censorship via the State Information Agency.

All articles that were in any way related to the war

had to be personally approved by Nils-Erik.

GERMAN WEAPONS SHIPPED THROUGH THE COUNTRY

CENSORED

GERMAN SAUSAGES SHIPPED THROUGH THE COUNTRY

It's all under control.

- The screws are tightened. - Good.

Hitler is said to have recently conveyed his anger about Sweden.

Specifically because of the press.

All right.

With that said, we can conclude today's meeting.

Yes, uh, that's right.

Mr Engzell has a report for us. Mr Engzell.

- Uh, apologies, but I have to get going. - Mm. Yes.

Some of you might have some other meetings

that you need to attend. You're free to go.

I'd like to report that, uh, um… during August and September

a number of what we considered to be, uh..

Uh… strong cases were rejected by the Office of Immigration.

PAULSON IMMIGRATION OFFICE

What are you trying to say exactly, man?

The pressure is… upon us and we are feeling it mount.

And we also have an issue with the size of our office space.

Mr Engzell, you want to discuss the dimensions of your office?

Here?

That was roughly what it was,

that there are certain parameters to take into account…

No, no, no. For God's sake. That just won't do.

Söderström's toilet must be twice as big as our entire office.

Take it easy, please.

He doesn't have his own toilet. You know that.

Uh… Really?

You told them that we're… drowning down here, right?

We're literally drowning.

- In faeces! - Let's put this on hold for now.

Thanks.

Mr Engzell, you have the consulate in Oslo on line one. Go ahead.

- Uh, but… - Svante… look, calm down.

- I am calm! You calm down! - All right.

- I'm trying to sort this mess! - Yes.

What's your answer then?

- Yes, this is Engzell. - It's Claes Westring.

Hello, hello there.

THE CONSULATE IN OSLO

How… how are things?

- Fine thanks, quite well. - Formal complaint? To who?

You know?

So… you've surely heard about the Jews who were arrested over the weekend?

All of the, the male Jews in Trondheim.

- As well as… 100 here in Oslo. - I know. But they…

Do you know whether they'll be released or not?

One of them is a Swedish citizen.

And I want your, uh, mandate to submit a note verbale.

DIPLOMATIC MEMORANDUM

For… for us to get a release for this person.

Oh.

Mm.

Can you hold for a minute?

- …my head against a brick wall. - Svante!

It's pointless! So pointless! There's no use in talking to Engzell!

I know… you're right.

So what do we do? What do we do now? Huh?

We can't rely on him! He's too much of a… a coward

to even talk to Söderström!

Hello?

We have to do something ourselves.

We need to act. We need to act!

It's a mess, I agree. W5e'll sort something…

Yes, hello. Uh…

No, I don't think that is at all appropriate this time.

I'm talking about just one!

Uh, thanks for you call.

Maybe we should go to a higher authority!

- To Söderström? - Why not?

I think that, Mr Westring, you…

you should still submit the note verbale.

Stockholm were very clear.

You heard it yourself.

Yes, but a Swedish citizen is now sitting in a Norwegian jail.

Are you afraid of being reprimanded, is that it?

"Afraid"?

Mr Engzell. Um…

We've just been having a little chat.

And since we're getting so many Jewish cases,

and the office is so cluttered…

We suggest… that we archive as much as we can.

As soon as we can.

Uh…

Yes.

BETWEEN WARSAW AND BERLIN

VON OTTER SWEDISH DIPLOMAT

- Have a seat. - Oh, thank you.

That is… very friendly.

- Do you want one? - No, thank you.

You're not from Germany.

No, I'm from Sweden.

What are you doing in Poland?

I'm working for the Foreign Ministry in Sweden.

So you're here on behalf of the Swedish government?

Yes. Although, I'm afraid that it doesn't pay very well.

Yourself?

My mission isn't exactly military in nature.

It's utter insanity.

Or more like… perverse.

I'm sorry?

Perhaps you've heard of the "Final Solution"?

No.

What final solution?

It is not a solution.

There's a genocide going on.

If I tell you this…

you have to promise me that you will pass it on

to the Swedish government.

- Mr Engzell? - Yes?

The Germans in Oslo have released a Jew with a Swedish connection.

- What? - It's true!

We… How come?

Uh, they accepted a note verbale which was submitted

by the Swedish consulate.

Bu… but I told them not to act.

And they accepted it.

- Yes. - That was highly unexpected.

Yes.

Now the man wants to return to Sweden.

I understand that.

So let's get in touch with Immigration right away.

But is that necessary?

This doesn't concern them. He has Swedish citizenship.

Yes, that's true.

And Oslo can issue a provisional passport.

Yes. Good idea.

Why don't we do that for all of them?

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. We must follow the rules here.

But all the Norwegian Jews are in danger.

But there are… there're… many rumours.

But Mr Engzell, 300 cases a day. Can they all be rumours?

All the correspondence

says they don't know where their relatives have been taken.

They were sent to labour camps.

- I understand, but what… - They were never heard from again.

Wh… What are you saying?

That they murder everybody?

This isn't just paper.

This is people.

Look at these.

Foreign Minister.

Söderström.

I have just talked to one of our diplomats in Berlin.

- Richert? - No, uh… someone called "von Otter."

An underling who broke protocol.

What did he want?

He, uh…

He had…

He had met an SS officer who…

Now you must… bear in mind that this is absolute hearsay, so…

Well, this SS officer had been at a camp…

Where they…

They're exterminating the Jews.

Oh, God.

They are told that they're going to have a shower,

but it's actually poison gas.

Supposedly… they number in the thousands every day.

There are rumours all over…

But you can't report that.

No.

Of course not.

All right.

All right… Good.

- Mr Söderström… - You heard what we were speaking about?

No.

Uh, actually a little. I was lost in my own thoughts.

You know these are nothing but ugly rumours.

You surely realise that?

And if it did turn out to be the truth,

by any chance, for some extraordinary reason,

there isn't absolutely anything that we can do about it.

- Do you understand? - Yes.

I do, yes.

Good evening.

Good evening.

"Schultz".

Let him in.

"Schwerkovic".

But why should we give a visa to him?

Well, he spent a lot of his upbringing in Sweden, between 5 and 22.

But I can see he's 39 now?

Yes, he's worked as an interpreter at the Swedish Ball Bearing Factory

in Brno.

You have to be able to read between the lines, Engzell.

Read between the lines.

He is a Jew, yes?

I'll write a "no" by… Schwerkovic.

That is correct, Engzell, damn right you will!

"And it was cold at home as well."

"She had pulled her tiny legs up beneath her,

but now, the Little Matchstick Girl was even colder."

Are you crying, Papa?

No, no. No, it's, uh…

It's just my allergies. You… you know how I get them.

Ah… Maybe we should read another book tonight.

Should all of this be packed away?

- Yes, that's right. - But…

All of these are "weak cases" ?

Precisely.

We won't get anything done at this rate. We should pick up the pace a little.

- But why is this one a weak case? - What are their names?

Uh, Bondy. They're twins.

- Ah. Oh. - Boys.

- And their mother. - Oh?

And their mother remarried a Swedish man.

She lives in Copenhagen because they're not allowed to enter Sweden.

But the children are still in Prague.

He's not their biological father?

No.

Well, it's a weak case.

They have a Swedish connection. Their step-father is from Sweden.

Those are the rules. I think it's just as awful as you do.

Truly. Mm.

There are some piled up here and some over there.

Mm-hm.

And we have more here. Yes.

- Excuse me. - Oh.

- Ah, Ms Nilsson! - Mrs.

Hm, let's see. All these boxes are going.

- You can take them down to the archive. - Uh huh.

There are boxes piled up over there too.

- [Svante[ Go ahead. - I'll make a start carrying these ones.

Excellent.

Hold on a minute!

- Let's just take it easy, please! - Mm.

Uh, uh, Ms Nilsson, this is to stay here.

- What… What are you talking about? - Yes?

This is going to the archive.

Uh… Wait.

They're… they're not going to the archive. They're going back there.

No, no, no. For God's sake.

Oh sorry, could you just decide on what we're doing here?

- Yes, well… - It's all going…

It's… it's all going down to the archive!

- Give it here. - No…

Hey, hey, hey. Get off…

There!

- Now, down to the archive. - No.

Huh?

We had a meeting about this, didn't we?

Where we decided by… by, by, by a solid majority

that all of it would have to be removed.

- So go ahead. Take it down to the archive. - I'm telling you to stop!

Now listen, I'm the boss here.

You want us to open up all these damn investigations again

just 'cause the Germans have released one Jew in Oslo?

Because he was Swedish.

And his application went through.

So that's why I want us to go through all these applications one more time,

and to prioritise the Norwegian Jews.

But you know, there are over 7,000 cases here!

If… we can save one.

If we can save just one more person, by us simply doing our job…

Then by God we should try.

I'll take these boxes. Um…You can take those.

What about the Immigration Office?

They won't need to be involved.

- Oslo can issue provisional passports. - What?

It worked well last time. Right, Mr Engzell?

- That's right. Exactly. - Mm-hm.

It's just that it… it'll be pitch black in here

with all the boxes stacked up blocking the light.

Mrs Johansson. I have these for you…

Twenty five more cases of Norwegian Jews with a clear Swedish connection.

Make sure to send them over to the consulate in Oslo straight away.

And inform them that this is just the beginning.

There are at least another 150 that we can get out.

Mr Söderström.

- Mrs Johansson. Fancy seeing you here. - Mm.

Well, uh… everything well?

In the basement? With Mr Engzell and everything?

Nothing strange going on?

No… No.

Very good.

- Thank you for asking. - Good. Excellent.

Apparently, uh…

Engzell overheard a rumour. Probably false.

But, uh… it would be unfortunate if it spread around.

Well… I just haven't heard anything. No.

That's good.

Ah, so… Mr Söderström is going… to Södermalm?

Excuse me! Can you stop the tram? Hello? Excuse me!

WEAK

- Hm… - We're looking for weak cases.

STRONG

If the Germans will approve an application with a weaker connection,

then that would surely set a precedent that we could use.

Making it easier to get cases approved in the future.

PRECEDENT - DECISION THAT SERVES AS AN EXAMPLE

FOR RESOLVING SIMILAR FUTURE CASES

Uh… we have the… twin boys from Prague.

- The Bondy boys? - Yes.

Their mother lives in Copenhagen.

Yes, she remarried a Swedish man.

But he's not the biological father?

No, but he is like a father to them. The boys are stuck in Prague.

Too weak. The Germans would just never approve it.

Why? Joseph wasn't the father of Jesus.

Would the Germans think that was a weak connection too?

- Yes, hello? - We got a no.

What d'you mean, "no"? I don't understand.

They have no jurisdiction, they're saying.

If I'm to even be let into the prison, then…

then we'll just simply have to ask Berlin first.

Do that, then.

- What? - Goodbye, Westring.

I found it.

The Bondy boys.

How old are they?

Eleven.

BERLIN SWEDISH EMBASSY

von Otter.

- You're being sent to the Foreign Office. - Uh, what for?

The consulate in Oslo wants to be given access to a prison

to talk to some Jews. And they need permission from Berlin.

You'll handle the individual cases. Here are 150 of them.

Also…

Stockholm wants to locate a pair of twins in Prague.

I've no idea why that is.

Here's the note verbale.

Uh… Yes, hello. My name is Göran von Otter.

- I would like to… - Go and wait over there.

Mm.

Mm.

Heil Hitler.

- So you're the Swede? - Yes.

What can I do for you? Hm?

Yes, um, should we not…

Mr Göran von Otter. It happens there's a war on.

- Get to the point. - Understood. Um…

Our consul in Oslo…

wishes to visit a prison, um… to find out if, uh,

any of the prisoners there may have a connection to Sweden.

I'll take care of it for you.

Yes…

Oh and I…I, uh… I, uh, I also have a note verbale.

Regarding?

A pair of twins who've been separated from their parents.

I don't believe it.

We weren't allowed into the prison in Oslo either.

Oh, damn it.

- Gösta Engzell! Are you here? - Oh, Söderström's bloodhound.

- Yes? - You need to go up and see Mr Söderström.

Uh… I'm in a meeting right now. Can't it wait a few minutes?

I wouldn't recommend it.

Very good. Great. Great.

Ah, Engzell.

Germany's highest-ranking representative here in Sweden.

Consul-General Victor zu Wied.

Consul-General, let me introduce you to the head of our Legal Department.

Mr Gösta Engzell.

Heil Hitler.

Sit.

Gentlemen. It has come to our attention

that in Oslo it seems there is a very large number of Swedish Jews!

In fact, it looks like around half the Jewish population in Norway

might be eligible to apply for Swedish citizenship. Huh!

We happen to have been looking in…

Engzell.

Understand that you're navigating stormy waters.

Do you believe that Eichmann…

can't close this loophole when he wants?

Now, who is it that this German is using as a threat?

He is 36 years old. He plots on his billiards table.

But instead of billiard balls, it's people on freight trains.

He's known for, well, how should one put it… precision.

And is in charge of the so-called "Final Solution."

Unfortunately, we'll see him again soon.

EICHMANN SS LIEUTENANT COLONEL

Yes, we understand, obviously.

And Mr Engzell here will take great care to ensure

that the Swedish-German relations remain the absolute top priority.

That's right, Mr Engzell?

Naturally.

- Naturally. - Huh.

Well then, I won't take up any more of your time, gentlemen.

May I?

Thank you.

Heil Hitler.

Bye.

Just sit down.

Mr Engzell, do you know what the Americans do with the Jews

who want to migrate?

They just stall their applications.

They request certificate after certificate to prove this, that, or whatever…

To make sure they give up.

That's how they operate.

The great land of the West.

The war will soon be over.

And it will end with Germany becoming the absolute superpower, trust me.

And if we've been too soft in dealing with the Jews,

then we will suffer the consequences.

Do you think that I'm not keeping an eye on what you're up to down there?

But then what?

Soon, when all of your smart thinking has gone completely to hell,

what will you do then?

Do you actually believe that any of us up here would be willing to save you?

The hell we would.

We'll send you off to Moscow. All of you, round you up.

You might be wondering why Söderström is threatening him

with Moscow.

MOSCOW

For a long time, it was difficult for Swedes

to see Hitler as the worst dictator, when Stalin was wreaking havoc.

It was not uncommon for Swedish diplomats

to be summoned to meetings in the middle of the night.

When it was bitterly cold.

And you could never be sure if it was just vodka in the glass.

It seems that Hitler has found out what we're up to here.

- Yes, well, I haven't said anything. - No.

I… It's my fault.

We moved too quickly.

We shouldn't have brought up both the Bondy boys and the prison

at the same time.

Don't bite off more than you can chew.

My God, we can't save them one after another.

No. That's why I suggest we go back to our original way of working.

What is it that you're not getting in your life, Mr Hellstedt?

You're new here, Ms Vogl.

And I can inform you that Jews have been arrested before.

And released.

Without us having to wave our Swedish flags.

It must feel good to live with blinders on.

What is this fucking great farce?!

We're talking about a Norwegian prison, not a… German labour camp!

Hm. Mm.

Who hired her?

Didn't we ask her for references?

It wouldn't be the first time.

And you've nothing to add here?

- What do you want me to say? - You can at least say something, damn it!

- What? - Do I have to handle all of this myself?

Hey, how was your day, Stig?

Are you all right?

Yes I am, Papa. Can you read to me tonight?

No, n…not tonight.

Oh, please?

Göran!

Yes, what?

That noise needs to stop right now, you hear me? Now do it!

At dawn on 26th November, 1942,

all of Oslo's taxis were dispatched, with two police officers in each,

to round up Jewish women, children, and the elderly.

Good morning.

What's happened?

Where are you taking us? We've done nothing wrong.

We're just trying to live our lives honestly…

This is an injustice!

We heard from… Westring.

He called us from Oslo and said they've rounded up all the Jews.

And put them on a boat… bound for a German death camp.

I thought it was all just for show, honestly. Uh…

- Just for show… - Yes… I know…

They took everyone they could fit on the boat.

Women, children, the elderly, all of them. Over 700.

God knows where they're headed. Gösta…

Uh… but… but we can archive all the Norwegian cases now, yes?

Oh for God's sake, shut up, will you?

Mr Engzell,

the Swedish relatives have a right to know what's happened.

I know.

But we have this damn censorship.

The press aren't allowed to write about it.

You know, you don't think we could get Censor-Nils to change that, do you?

How do we do that? Should I just waltz into his office

and convince him that he should lift the restrictions on the press…

Exactly! Why not do that?

That's how we'll do it.

The Swedish relatives are going to wonder

why their loved ones in Norway haven't been in contact.

And I can guarantee you that there will be questions.

There's going to be so much to answer for.

Yes, and the press won't even be writing about Germany.

They will be writing about Censor-Nils and how he withheld all the information.

But I don't even know Nils.

I don't think he'd listen to me.

But Söderström would.

He is above Censor-Nils, isn't he?

I certainly wouldn't want to be… Nils, clearly.

Considering the situation with the Norwegian Jews.

- Oh… oh, you're right, definitely. - Hm.

And I'm sure there'll be a lot of relatives in Sweden.

Hm. And did you know… that several of the deported Jews, they…

actually had Swedish passports… not Norwegian.

And as soon as their relatives here in Sweden

start wondering where they've gone,

they'll be questioning us all.

And you know the press won't be writing articles on Germany,

but on Nils and the department of information.

You don't actually think that I'm that stupid?

Damn… Uh…

1,000 JEWS SENT TO POLAND

PERSECUTION OF JEWS REACHES NEW PEAK

JEWS DEPORTED TO POLAND

How could this end up in the newspapers?

1,000 JEWS SENT TO POLAND

Our assessment was that the news would have reached Sweden

sooner or later anyway, Sir.

Later would have been better.

We're being inundated with calls from citizens

demanding that we act against it.

All the while, I'm being scolded by Berlin.

Damn it!

Yes, yes, yes.

Who is actually in charge of the Jews?

Uh… Uh…

Söderström? The Prime Minister has asked a question.

- Uh… - Who's responsible?

Uh, the Jews?

Fantastic, we don't know who's in charge of the Jewish issue.

We had classified it as a "non-issue" before.

But no longer though.

- No. - So who?

I would say that it's Engzell.

Gösta Engzell. Legal.

And where is he now?

- Get him here immediately. - Of course.

- Just get him here, God damn it! - Go, go, get him will you!

That's fantastic. I can't believe it.

- Where is Engzell? - He's talking to Oslo.

He'll need to stop that now.

Engzell.

What the hell is going on in Norway?

Can we expect them to be returned?

- The Jews? - Yes.

No, I don't think we can.

So you mean they're sending Scandinavians to death camps?

- Yes, it would certainly seem so. - Death camps?

Excuse me, but does that mean

that these rumours are something that we have to start taking seriously?

Are there any Swedes… on the boat?

There's one.

- But it's a mistake. - Oh, what do you mean?

The Germans have been sparing all Jews who have a Swedish connection.

Yes, that's right. They're still here.

- I see. - It's true, you understand me?

- There's no doubt about it. - All of them?

Yes, all of them.

Before the Germans rounded up all the Norwegian Jews,

we had sent several notes verbales

concerning those who had a connection to Sweden.

They all have a Swedish connection then?

- Those Jews have been released. - A glimmer of hope in the darkness.

Um, uh…

And so, what do we do now?

The press are demanding action, but Hitler wants us to keep quiet.

Any suggestions?

- Um, uh… - Mm.

The thing is… there's around 100 Jews still in Norway.

Mm-hm.

But I imagine they'll also be deported soon.

Unless Sweden takes them all in.

Sorry… um…

So Sweden takes the Jews in? I think not.

That will mean that all the Jews in Europe will come to Sweden.

And, I mean, that is… they are, after all, in their millions.

Hitler will consider this a downright insult.

But what if this is dealt with unofficially?

- Unofficially? - Wait, wait, wait.

Go ahead, Engzell.

The press are alerted that we have sent an unofficial request

to take in the remaining Jews from Norway.

Mm.

But since it's unofficial… the press can't write about it, correct?

Oh, dear God.

And that way, the Germans can’t lose face, can they?

We act…

but we don't act.

- Hm. - Mm.

- Good plan. - Excuse me one second…

- Should we go ahead with it then? - It's interesting…

Excuse me, but… are we considering entry to the Jews just like that?

Without any parliamentary decision?

We're certainly not going to let in any Jews "just like that."

No.

We can't be sure the Germans would agree to it anyway.

But the press will leave us alone.

It's perfect.

Meeting concluded.

- Foreign Minister, we can't just allow… - I said, the meeting is concluded.

God! Engzell can you stay here?

Mm.

Finally, I would like to remind you

that I'm your immediate superior,

which means that you report directly to me.

And if anyone decides to go against our guidelines,

I can inform you that our man in Moscow,

Mr Assarsson,

would love a change of position.

Can I interest anyone in Assarsson's position in Moscow?

Right now, we have 50,000 from Holland.

And here, we have the French in Paris, rounding up as many as they can.

Hmm. Hm.

Have you already heard about the unofficial telegrams from Sweden?

The Swedes are using their position shamelessly.

Just because Göring has a weird soft spot for that…

ridiculous land, for some reason.

But of course, you are keeping an eye on it, are you not?

Oh, absolutely.

There won't be any more from them. They know their place.

Good.

Based on the Norwegians whose Swedish connections were approved,

I've got another 25 Jews from Belgium and Holland that we should inquire about.

Twenty five… for Engzell.

POSSIBLE CASES

- Hellstedt? - Hm… I have 20.

- Twenty. - Just about.

- Hallonsten? - Yes? Yeah, yeah, I have 10.

And I have 25.

- Ms Vogl? - Uh, 85.

It's not enough.

Writing individual notes verbales won't work in the long run.

We must establish a precedent that covers a wider range.

So what do we do?

The Bondy boys.

But they've already rejected the boys.

Can't we find another case that we think would be easier to get approval

than the Bondy one?

Forgive me, Mr Engzell, this is a good profile.

It's just weak enough.

But this time, you'll have to take it higher up.

Mmm.

Can I see the papers again?

It would be a fine bureaucratic pirouette.

von Otter! Von Otter!

I'm here!

Right. Thank you.

So Engzell sent the Swedish diplomats

back to the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The bureaucrat they met with was Martin Luther.

Ah, hello…

No, no relation to the… well, the other, well known one.

Good to see you.

He was the German Foreign Minister Ribbentrop's right-hand man.

Even Eva Braun has sent something. I'll show you, here.

- Oh. - This is from Eva Braun.

Oh, and in the package, there was this from the Führer.

This is the turtle shell present from the Führer.

Brilliant.

- Isn't it just… - Isn't it?

Will you try?

- Hm? - Mm-hm.

They were… they were, um, caught in a raid in Prague.

And then they were taken.

Really, surely not?

And the children are Swedish nationals?

I… in theory, uh, but unfortunately not on paper.

But the connection is, uh, quite clear.

Their father is a Swedish citizen.

But the children are Jews?

It would serve the Swedish government's view of Germany’s…

great virtue, if this problem could be solved.

Do you mean… that some Jewish twins in Prague

would be entitled to Swedish citizenship? Is that what you're saying?

- Uh, uh… um… - Uh, yes.

Yeah, good. Absolutely.

Where are they now?

Yes, well, we're, uh… we're… uh… not certain.

But perhaps in, uh, Theresienstadt.

Theresienstadt? Wonderful!

- You'll get the authorisation. - Mm. Thank you.

What is it?

They'll be reunited with their parents.

- Yeah, damn right! - Oh. Take it easy. Now, now, come on!

I'm going out to buy coffee and cake. Put your order in, whatever you want.

- Let me help you. - A doughnut.

- And I would like a… a klenät, please? - I also want a klenät, or whatever.

- Order anything. - Should we get a sweet loaf?

A sweet loaf?

Forget the klenät. If we get a sweet loaf, we can share.

No, I think we should get a large cake.

Today is a feast!

As long as we can justify it.

They're very strict about the internal budget.

I'll take it out of my own pocket. Because I'm retiring next month,

and then I won't be able to afford even biscuits.

- Let's do it! - Yes!

Now the word was spreading across Europe and around the world

that Jews could get diplomatic protection by writing to Sweden.

Havin' their fling again Younger than spring again

Feelin' that zing again, wow Ooh!

Mr Engzell.

Here is a letter from a woman from Salt Lake City,

who wants to get her nephew out of Austria.

And what's the connection?

He works for the Swedish Ball Bearing Factory in Vienna.

Approve and continue.

I've got one who spent summers in Sweden as a child.

Approve it.

Ah, a Hungarian who studied at Uppsala University.

This one is from a man who worked in Gothenburg, in shipping.

- We can approve that one. - Yes. Done.

They have an elderly aunt who lives there by herself.

DO YOU WANT TOTAL WAR

Why is this taking so long?

Reichtsführer. Please, excuse me.

The Swedes have started making extensive inquiries about…

Swedish Jews.

Hm. And how many are there?

Almost every territory with a Swedish consulate

has sent a note verbale regarding…

Jews with an alleged Swedish connection, so…

There are quite a few.

Hmm.

The Swedes are now actually trying…

to save Jews, you're saying?

Yes.

And that leads to an… additional problem.

This is unbelievable!

The more our officials have to deal with matters regarding the Final Solution…

the more they start to, um…

How to say it?

They are beginning to think…

Not everyone's a staunch National Socialist.

This time you must double-check the fastenings!

Come on, man…

Hm.

Then let's change the regulations.

"As of 31st March,

foreign citizenship will no longer be accepted as an exemption."

What? Let me see.

But… but why have they changed the regulations?

So if they're looking for a bureaucratic war,

then that's damn well what we'll give them.

We'd like to know whether the new rules that are about to come in…

will affect half-Jews as well?

Half-Jews?

- Mm. - Yes, naturally.

It is essential that we decipher this correctly.

And, uh, what is the ruling about quarter-Jews?

Yes, they'll likely fall under that too.

I, uh… can double-check that.

And, uh… what about one-eighth Jews?

Let me write the question down…

- I'll take care of it for you. - Very good.

Well… Because there are also one-sixteenth Jews

and, uh, one-thirty-second Jews.

What rules do they fall under?

It's important that we understand this.

Yes, I'll find out.

Very good.

Then we'll wait to enforce the rule until you've clarified everything.

Don't let her rumba

After all, your own Führer is apparently one-sixteenth Jewish himself.

It would be unfortunate if you had to deport him too.

- Budapest, 20. - Good.

- Ah… - Really good!

- Seven more than last time. - Absolutely.

- Excellent news. - Engzell?

- His office is here. - I never doubted it!

Vienna, 75 people.

Excellent.

- What the hell do you think you're doing? - What do you mean?

Berlin is threatening me with a blow lamp.

I have been told that we're claiming that an assortment of Jews are Swedish.

- Well… - Uh, uh… What kind of cases are these?

Why is it the Immigration Office hasn't seen them?

And, uh, why haven't I seen them?

Well, there's no reason for you to. They're Swedish citizens.

- That's not how I understood it. - Oh, for goodness…

I understood it to be about Jews

who simply have never even set foot in Sweden!

Just hold on, Paulson. Look here…

Our policy is to stay neutral. And is this neutral, Engzell?

What you people down here don't understand…

No one here…

…has any idea about what's…

What on earth's that sound?

Uh, the pipes for the sewage. Yes…

It comes all the way down from the third floor.

- That's right. - Mm.

The sewage?

We've pushed for a larger office, but it hasn't been approved.

I have the measurements in this drawer.

Mind yourself, Engzell.

Mind yourself.

Mind yourselves carefully, all of you, you hear me?

So, where were we now then?

How naive they all are.

You're absolutely right. There must be consequences for Engzell.

It costs so much money, also. It's not free to bring in the Jews.

- It costs money. - Mm.

Exactly! It costs money!

Now I know who can set Engzell straight.

Call Ehrenpreis! Now!

Welcome, welcome.

EHRENPREIS JEWISH CONGREGATION

Mr Engzell.

No one could be more grateful than we are for all the work you're doing.

- We're just doing our job. - Yes.

Not everyone who comes here…

…is a banker, one might say.

They have no possessions.

Everything has been confiscated. They are, quite simply, destitute.

So, how can we help them?

Uh… Sorry. When, when you say "we", and when you say "help",

uh, you mean that you're financially responsible

for those who come here?

Uh. Yes, it is a little paradoxical, you might say.

The more we help, the less we can help.

Was it really this way?

Yes, according to a 50-year-old Swedish law,

every religious congregation was financially responsible

for its members.

And now, the Swedish-Jewish congregation was almost out of money.

So…

So you, as a Jewish congregation, will have to… deny them?

No, no. We won't deny anyone. We would never do that.

But, um…

Yes, I'm sorry, from where do we get the money?

This is truly a… Gordian knot. Hm?

- Gentlemen, excuse me. - What is a Gordian knot, do you know?

A difficult problem, but with an easy solution.

Ah.

We've received a letter from the Bondy Boy's parents.

- Mm. And? - The boys haven't appeared.

But…

Contact whoever signed off on the note verbale.

- He must be held to account. - We can't do that.

They removed him and sent him off to a concentration camp.

What? Let go of me.

He apparently tried to oust their Foreign Minister.

So what about the boys then? Where are they?

They could be in a camp in Theresienstadt.

Can't be…

Can we confirm that any way then?

Yes, well, uh, we can always go there and look for them.

Uh, that's not a bad idea, Hallonsten. Good that you suggested that.

OUTSIDE THERESIENSTADT

This appears to be the right road.

Good.

I really need to eat something. Uh…

Craving chicken pâté.

Do you think we can get that around here?

It's not that likely.

Papers.

Sweden? Mm?

What do you want?

We… we, uh… we're here representing the Swedish embassy.

And, uh, mean to inquire after two children, if you will.

They are Swedish citizens that are said to be held here.

Do you happen to have a permit?

Oh, well, yes. We've spoken with, uh, Berlin about it.

But they haven't had time to reply. It's very urgent, so…

- He… he took our passports. - Yes, you are right.

We should move.

- Your entry's been denied, gentlemen. - Right, we should leave then…

Ah, but, um, can't we just… come in for a second?

- We only have a few quick questions. - Now, go!

Yes, uh, we understand. Yes.

- Where the hell are we? - Uh, it doesn't look too bad.

It's definitely not chicken pâté, is it?

Thank you.

The same for me, thanks.

Excuse me, can I ask you a quick question?

We're looking for a pair of twins. They're supposed be here in the camp.

Do you know how we can find out more about them?

What are you talking about?

Do you know anyone who works in the camp?

A guard, for example?

We have money.

The boys are alive.

Oh, thank God.

Just as we suspected,

they are currently being held in Theresienstadt.

There is a problem though.

They are in a so-called "Transit Camp", aren't they?

- Which means that they're going to be-- - Moved on quickly.

The entire German Foreign Ministry will know who the Bondy Boys are.

I'll go speak with the Foreign Minister.

Söderström will never let you get past him just for a couple of children.

Did I say that I was going to go via Söderström?

- Ms Vogl, can you join me? - Yes.

I'd rather it didn't involve me.

Understood.

It appears… we have an opportunity here to set a precedent.

If we can bring these children here,

then it could mean that we can help even more of them.

We all know what's been happening in those camps…

If anything goes wrong, you Engzell, are responsible.

Do you understand?

Long before D-Day,

and long before the Soviet armies crushed Berlin,

three Swedish diplomats, on the order of Engzell,

assaulted the German Foreign Ministry.

I would like to see Mr Grundherr.

- Please, sir. - Thank you.

I have an appointment with Grobgeld.

Thank you.

I'm here for Mr Götz.

Perhaps the toughest attack by the Swedish tiger since…

Well… ever.

You've already accepted a note verbale

regarding the… the 11-year-old twin brothers we talked about.

And you also made the promise that you…

Yes, we certainly would appreciate, um, an immediate and positive response

to our formal request.

Minister, this is really bad. This is more than bad, dreadful.

Listen… just calm down, Söderström.

This is about getting children returned to their parents in Sweden.

This is about children returning to their parents in Sweden.

Where are the children?

Uh, Minister, you should've come to me!

Obviously, if… if they're upset…

We can make an example of the Legal Department.

We can make an example. That's good. We'll make an example.

That way, we can show the Germans that we're taking action.

Perfect approach.

- Yes, Foreign Minister. - Excuse me, Foreign Minister.

We had agreed that I would call you after lunch.

Have you heard yet from Berlin?

The children can come home.

But you've created one hell of a mess with this, Engzell.

Söderström's office in one hour.

- Mm. - That will be all.

Yes. Thanks so much.

Our man in Moscow…

…will be replaced.

Understood.

Will you need me to suggest a person for the position…

No, no. We want you to take over.

Together with your department.

Moving our… entire department to Moscow right now is a little…

MOSCOW

Oh, my! Is there a celebration tonight?

- Representation. - Oh, very good.

Good job today, Mr Engzell.

Thanks.

Uh, so what did Söderström want earlier?

Um, he mostly wanted to congratulate us about the Bondy Boys.

Ahh, right. Are you getting a pay rise then?

Uh…

Well, that would require a World War to end. Mm.

- We'll fit that in tomorrow. - Mm.

- Good evening then. Mm-hm. - Be seeing you.

- Good evening. - Good evening.

- Mr Engzell? - Mm?

In a week… the Bondy Boys arrive in Copenhagen

for their reunion with their parents.

Mm.

Do you remember how strong the reaction was

when the press originally wrote about Norway?

What if we could get them to write about the Bondy Boys?

You could make the trip to Denmark.

With someone to take photos.

Someone?

I imagine that Ms Vogl is, uh, nominating herself for this?

No. Not at all.

- Uh… someone else. - The whole Bondy Boys idea was yours.

If anyone ought to go, then it's you.

Talking of Switzerland…

How would you feel about me being posted abroad?

- Switzerland? - No, not Switzerland. Uh…

- Why? There's a war going on. - But diplomacy doesn't rest, you know.

Ah! United States? I know the boys would love it there.

Uh… yes, dear…

Mrs Engzell.

- Delighted to see you. - Mm.

I certainly hope you own some warm furs.

Otherwise, you'll just have to invest in some, won't you?

Uh, furs? Mm.

Yes. To get through the winter.

In Moscow.

- Moscow? - Yes.

I'm sure it's going to be a good evening.

Can I have a word, in private, Foreign Minister?

I don't quite understand this Moscow transfer.

The Bondy operation went well.

Precisely.

We must have a good person like you, Mr Engzell,

stationed in Moscow. It's vital.

It's vital for our country, we must all do whatever we can.

But you should probably have a word with your wife now.

Mm.

- I'm really in love with these rooms. - Yes.

Ingrid?

Gösta Engzell, you're the most scrupulous official

working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

- What has happened? - I… I can't say, uh…

It… it's really… I… but I…

Take this transfer and you'll go without me and the boys.

- Anna, you cannot say that. - Moscow, Gösta!

Moscow!

Right. I know…

COPENHAGEN

- This doesn't feel right. - What doesn't?

- I have a German passport. - That's to your advantage here, I'd say.

And you're with me. I have a diplomatic passport.

- She's with me. - Yes.

Do you know why there are so many German soldiers everywhere?

It's to do with the Jews.

They're rounding them all up.

COPENHAGEN

- Look. - Yes.

Hello there… Uh, um… Mr and Mrs Bondy?

- Gösta Engzell? - That is correct.

- Hello. - Hello.

Uh…

- Mr Engzell… - Mm-hm.

I…

"I'm very thankful, and I do mean it."

"You are a good person."

Thank… thank you.

- Can you stand together? - Yes.

I'll take a picture before… Uh…

Are you ready?

One, two, three.

Where are my children? Where are my children?

Lucas!

Mateo!

Mateo! Lucas!

Where are my children? Where are my children?!

Lucas! Mateo!

- Where are my children? - Whe…

Where are my children?

- I… I…I'll find them… - Where are my children?

- I'll have… I'll have to call Berlin. - Where are my children?

Please… Oh… oh, please…

- No. - Oh.

I'm so sorry.

You have nothing to apologise for.

Nothing.

Whereabouts in Germany are your family?

Uh…

Lübeck.

It's five years since I've… been there.

Mr Engzell?

Surely you realise what's going on in Denmark?

We must revoke the visa requirement.

Don't you think I know that?

PASSPORT CONTROL

I'll contact the others at the department,

so they can meet us in Stockholm when we arrive.

- Mr Engzell! Mr Engzell! - What?

Where do you think you're going? You can't enter.

- I'm travelling with Mr Engzell. - What's going on?

- Your companion cannot enter the country. - Uh…

- She is my assistant. - That will not help her here.

What are you talking about? She has every right to come to Sweden.

This is a diplomatic passport and she has a German passport.

What's this stamp here?

Germans are welcome, but her kind cannot come into Sweden

without a special visa.

- I meant to tell you. - Uh…

I am a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

that issues the kind of visa you're talking about.

And I am granting her the right to enter into Sweden here and now.

I don't know how you do things in Stockholm.

But we will always follow the law here.

And those like her… return to Germany!

- Please, take it easy. Leave her alone. - Stop. You'll have to sort it out later!

- No reason to be… Fine. - Stop!

- I promise you I'll report this! - Shut it!

- You'll pay for this! I'll see to it. - This way.

Ms Vogl, arrangements are being made.

I've talked to the Swedish embassy in Copenhagen.

You'll have to stay in Denmark.

Someone from the Swedish embassy will meet you at customs,

and you will stay there.

I mean at the embassy.

- Good. - Mm.

How are you?

Not too bad.

Mm.

When you were in Lübeck last…

What were you doing?

You were looking for your family, weren't you?

Mm.

- Did you find them? No. - No.

- And they put a J in your passport. - Mm.

But you re-entered Sweden though?

It was luck.

Luck?

It shouldn't be a question of luck.

Oh, damn it.

Stupid trains…

Uh, here he comes.

- Mr Engzell. - Yes.

Right, now, um… We don't… we don't have much time.

So we must… we, we must be fast and efficient.

I need to talk to the Foreign Minister.

- This wasn't necessary…. - I'm trying!

- Let's go, come on. - Right…

We're all here.

- Are you all right? - Yes.

Get in the car, Hellstedt!

- Move your foot. - We need to get going!

- Yeah, but I can't get… - Nearly in…

- The car just needs to warm up. - Get your coat in.

- Can we just go now? - I'm trying.

Try knocking on it at the back.

- Here. Is this how I should hit it? - I'm getting a headache!

- Gently. We'll get there. - I'm trying.

Come. Can you close it? There. That, that one.

- Of course. - Thanks.

I'm sorry, gentlemen,

but the Foreign Minister doesn't have time today.

Well, um, excuse me, Mr Söderström.

It's almost certain that all the Jews in Denmark

will be rounded up and deported. Just like in Norway.

We are aware of this rumour and action has been taken.

You can rest assured. Thank you.

May I ask what kind of action?

The embassy in Berlin is tasked with making inquires about this situation.

Inquire about what? It's a fact. I've seen it with my own eyes!

Let me get this clear, Engzell.

You want to remove the visa requirement?

We… we are a neutral state.

- We cannot take sides. - However the wind blows us.

So you're saying you'd rather risk German occupation? Is that it?

And even if we wanted to revoke the visa requirement,

we couldn't do it.

And that's because our own immigration law

holds the Swedish Jews economically responsible.

Or were you planning on changing a 50-year-old law this morning?

Maybe we should just hold off…

What're you saying? Have you got sunstroke?

Did Mr Engzell talk to the Germans? No!

There was a state of emergency.

There were German troops out on the streets.

I think the Jews have nothing to do with this.

Uh, Mr Hallonsten, are you out of your mind?

So you don't think the Jews will be rounded up?

Uh.. they will be.

Uh…

Mm. They will be rounded up.

We need to rewind a little.

How does Censor-Nils know this?

Well… Prior to becoming Censor-Nils…

Perhaps you're right.

…he was stationed in Copenhagen…

Cheers.

…And there, he got to know the German envoy.

And so when the Germans decided to round up all the Jews in Denmark,

Nils was one of the first to know.

Nils then asked his German friend to come to Stockholm…

Thanks for coming.

…and inform the Swedish government.

- So you see, the situation is serious. - The arrangement was made in Berlin?

How many Jews are we talking about here?

- Well, you were saying that… - This is an incredibly serious situation.

So the Prime Minister knows about it?

Yes.

They want to get the confirmation from Berlin that it…

really… is true.

That it's really true?

So they think the Germans will give us an answer

if we just ask them nicely?

Did you talk to Söderström about the visa requirement?

He said that it was an issue of money.

Exactly.

It's always money.

- Mrs Johansson? - Yes?

- Is Hammarskjöld in the building? - He always is.

Hellstedt, Hallonsten, come with me.

Let's go and cut that Gordian knot then.

Where are we going?

I'm going to see Hammarskjöld, but you, Hallonsten,

there's a Danish exiled-minister in the city.

Bring him to Hammarskjöld's office as quickly as you can.

- I'll be waiting there. - I don't understand, but yes I'm going.

And you, Hellstedt, you must now organise a meeting

at the… at the Foreign Minister's office with the Foreign Minister and Ehrenpreis.

- Ah, no problem, I'll do it. All right. - Mm-hm.

But Söderström… he can't know about it.

- What… so what do I do, tell me? - Just sort it out.

Uh, can I bring in Censor-Nils?

You can bring in whoever the hell you want.

Ah, good.

I apologise for entering in this most uncivilised manner.

HAMMARSKJÖLD BEFORE HE WAS FAMOUS

But I have a Gordian knot that I think you might be able to…

help me with.

Is this the place where zu Wied wanted to meet us?

Yes…

That's what he said anyway.

But shouldn't, uh, Söderström be at this meeting?

I'm afraid he can't be here just now, maybe we can get started without him?

Mm-hm.

- Mr Ehrenpreis. - Yes?

I believe that I've found a sword to cut our Gordian knot.

- What? - Exactly. What precisely would that be?

A way around the law which maintains the Jewish community

are financially responsible for all refugees.

Mr Hammarskjöld is not only the Secretary at the Ministry of Finance,

he is also the Chairman of the Central Banks General Council.

Well, why don't you explain it for them.

For us to circumvent the economic responsibility,

we have summoned a Danish Minister in exile, Johan Kruse.

The Swedish government is offering to lend you twenty million krona

to be used for financial support for Danish refugees coming to Sweden.

You do realise I'm a minister in exile.

But we're not lending the money to the state of Denmark.

Sweden will lend the money to you. Privately.

Because you can save the lives of the Danish Jews.

We can't do it.

Twenty million?

We'll set up the future Danish state as guarantor.

Everything that I've heard since I walked through that door

is the most foolish, brain-dead, and insane proposal

that's ever been presented to me in my entire life.

Is this Swedish logic right here?

Just tell me please. How the hell did you even come up with this plan?

Give me the contract.

And because a Danish exiled-minister now has money in his pocket,

then you, Mr Ehrenpreis,

no longer have to burden the financial responsibility.

Therefore, there is nothing left to hinder us

from taking in the Jews of Denmark.

Fantastic.

And did you… accomplish all this earlier today?

But it's… it's a miracle.

No, it's bureaucracy.

Stop! Wait! What's this meeting that… no one told me about?

We have just resolved the issue

of how to grant the Jews free entry into Sweden.

What? Free?

It's about what's happening in Denmark.

Ah! Understood.

Uh… Uh…

Uh, may I ask… Have we…

So have we received word from Berlin?

Have these rumours been confirmed? No, they have not.

Gentlemen, I suggest we wait just a little longer.

- Söderström. - Hm?

A German informant has visited the Foreign Office.

And Engzell here has recently paid a visit to Copenhagen.

Once again, Foreign Minister,

the Swedish government cannot make decisions on the basis of hearsay.

Tell me…

Should we risk a German attack for just believing in these rumours?

- Right. - Right. No.

I suggest that we continue waiting until we get word from Berlin

about whether these rumours are true or not.

Can we call them now?

Great suggestion, uh, Foreign Minister.

- Mr Ehrenpreis. - Yes?

I humbly thank you for your time.

Uh… Mr Hammarskjöld, thank you for your time.

My sincere thanks for your concern.

- Mr Engzell… - But…

You can continue carrying out your duties.

Yes, but we…

- Immediately, will you please? - But we've solved…

- Thank you, gentlemen. - We've solved it.

- Engzell, carry on with your duties. - There is no reason to…

Hm, mm? Go… go on now. Good bye.

Oh, here you are. Good. So did you get the go-ahead?

- Uh, from the Foreign Minister? - No.

It's all still uncertain so…

Didn't Söderström just tell you

to resume your duties though?

Well, yes…

He did say that.

Mrs Johansson, have you any experience in arranging a press conference?

No…

I'm sorry.

There happens to be a press conference going on in the building right now.

- Oh good, you've invited half of Sweden. - Look, how nice.

Good evening and… welcome.

I am now going to read a communiqué from the, uh…

Swedish government.

The visa requirement that was previously imposed

on all incoming Jews has…

as of today's date, has been revoked."

What the hell? What's he saying? Have you…

"Accordingly, all members of the Jewish religion are now welcome

on Swedish soil."

Are you talking about the Danish Jews who want to leave Denmark?

No, this rule applies to all Jews.

Wait a minute! He can't just…

Furthermore, should there be any nation that opposes this…

then there will be serious consequences.

Serious consequences? What does that mean exactly?

I'm afraid I cannot say more. Just now.

Excuse me, sir, I have…

One at a time.

Engzell!

It is 6.30 p.m. Here is the news.

As of today, 2nd October,

Sweden is revoking its visa requirement for all individuals of Jewish descent.

This means that the previous visa restriction

for all Jews arriving in Sweden has now been abolished.

The communiqué went further

by saying that if any country were to oppose this new edict

made by the Swedish government, then the consequences would be serious.

Thus, anyone belonging to the Jewish religion is now welcome

on Swedish territory.

Sven?

What is it?

- Look at this. - What?

Look!

What's going on?

One hundred and twenty?

There should be tens of thousands here by now.

Where the hell are they?

In Sweden.

Hitler is waiting for you in his office.

How come we haven't occupied that awful land yet?

Did it really happen like this?

Yes.

Dag Hammarskjöld lent government money to a Danish citizen.

There was a press conference at which Sweden threatened serious consequences.

And thousands of refugees crossed the strait.

Also, the fortunes of war had turned, and the Germans were in retreat.

Ah, there you are.

Söderström, Engzell. Listen to this.

The Washington Post has been writing about us.

"The only bright spot in the eternal darkness."

Listen now.

"Sweden has emerged as a moral superpower

by saving the Jewish population of Denmark."

Engzell, tell me,

what was it that caused you to call a press conference?

Uh, well, uh… it was Söderström who told me…

who ordered me to continue with my duties. Mm.

Söderström… You are truly worth your weight in gold.

Uh… I… I don't know about that. Let's not exaggerate.

Saving the Jews of Denmark, and now this American article…

This is big.

Well, we've all…

We actually just did what needed to be done.

Very good.

But now I need your keenness and ability to do the right thing at the right time.

Oh…

Minister, thank you very much.

It's a… it's a real honour to serve you, Foreign Minister.

- Whatever you want, I am at your service. - Yes.

And that's why you're going to be our envoy.

Oh!

In Moscow.

Uh… What?

- Of course. - Me?

This was the first time I ever heard about

Gösta and his department.

They had proved that ordinary people could defy history.

And make a difference.

- Wha… - Hello.

- Hello. Hey! Welcome back. - Thanks.

So good to see you.

Hello.

I have these awful allergies.

My eyes and nose just won't stop running.

Mm.

It's good to have you back.

'Cause there's still work to be done here.

And as you know, I'm terrible at typewriting.

Plus, we have received a lot of new applications.

Mm-hm.

The others are not half as efficient as you…

We've missed you. Honestly.

It was time to take the next step.

It was time to meet Gösta in person.

My son has started a jazz band and I promised him I'd go to his concert.

Oh, how wonderful.

That's a matter of opinion.

I think it sounds like a bit of a racket in all honestly.

I'm looking for Gösta Engzell.

Yes, you are?

Raoul Wallenberg. I called earlier this week regarding…

coming to ask you about… your work here.

I must leave now, uh… unfortunately, but, uh

Ms Vogl, Mr Hallonsten, and Mr Hellstedt can answer all of your questions.

Of course.

- Welcome, Mr Wallenberg. - Hello there. Thank you.

GÖSTA ENGZELL NEVER SPOKE PUBLICLY

ABOUT HIS WORK FOR THE JEWS DURING WORLD WAR II.

You've got to Ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive

E-lim-i-nate the negative

Latch on to the affirmative

Come on, Papa. It's swinging.

Don't mess with Mr In-Between

You've got to spread joy Up to the maximum

Bring gloom down to the minimum

Isn't it good?

Have faith, or pandemonium Liable to walk upon the scene

HE CONTINUED TO WORK IN DIPLOMACY AND DIED AS AN UNKNOWN SWEDISH WAR HERO

IN 1998, AT THE AGE OF 100.

…Jonah in the whale, Noah in the ark

What did they do Just when everything looked so dark?

THE PROVISIONAL PASSPORT SYSTEM INITIATED BY GÖSTA ENGZELL'S DEPARTMENT

WAS FURTHER DEVELOPED

BY RAOUL WALLENBERG AND PER ANGER IN BUDAPEST.

Latch on to the affirmative Don't mess with Mr In-Between

No, do not mess with Mr In-Between!

SWEDEN

THANKS TO ENGZELL'S WORK, MORE THAN 100,000 JEWS WERE SAVED.

Oh, listen to me children And, uh, you will hear

About eliminatin' of the negative And an accent on a positive

And gather 'round me children If you willin'

And sit tight while I start reviewin' The attitude of doin' right

You gotta Ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive

E-lim-i-nate the negative

Latch on to the affirmative Don't mess with Mr In-Between

You got to spread joy Up to the maximum

Bring gloom down to the minimum

Then (otherwise), otherwise

Pandemonium liable To walk upon the scene