AGGRESSION FEARED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 45, 2 December 1939, Page 6

AGGRESSION FEARED.

NORTH AND SOUTH EUROPE. ANGER IN ITALY AROUSED. LONDON, November 30. The Avave of horror and revulsion which was the first reaction throughout Europe to the Soviet barbarity has quickly giyetti place to fears in north and south Europe of new aggressions. The press of Britain and FVance speculates on Russia’s further purposes in Scandinavia and the possibility of Herr Hitler using the deA r elopments diplomatically and strategically in the Avestern Avar. The Washington correspondent of the “NeAV York Times” says diplomatic reports indicate that a quick move to take over Bessarabia may follow thei attack on Finland. Germany has remained officially silent, but the invasion is obviously a. further strain on the loyalty to the Government, particularly in the army, many of Avhose officers fought for Finnish independence, and in the navy, Avhich sees the Baltic becoming a [Russian, lake. It is difficult to recall any international incident Avkicli lias Avhipped up such a. Avave of spontaneous anger as is noted in Italy. If it were geographically -possible, thousands of Italians would rush to help Finland. ■Political circles see the invasion as a further step in the plan begun Avhen Russia walked into [Poland, of which the next steps .may be the Balkans. The Swedish GoA r ernment has maintained silence' except to indicate its full preparedness, but the public undisguisedly expresses sympathy Avith the attacked and hatred toAvard the attacker. OroAvds gathered at the newspaper officers to read the bulletins. There Avere frequent individual outbursts of indignation and women burst into tears Avhen the bombing of Helsinki Avas announced. Only the Government prohibition prevents many SAvedes, Danes, and NorAvegians from going to Finland' to volunteer. There is indignation throughout Holland. Crowds smashed the windows of tlio Communist neAvspaper, “Volks Dagblad,” and also a Russian book shop, for Avhich a man was arrested.

The NorAvegian neAVspaper “Aftenposzen” says: “We are forced to be mere onlookers, but we can at least express our sympathy with Finland and our abhorrence of th© highwaymen.” The Madrid newspaper “ABC” says: ‘■'The, invasion demonstrates the sacred character of the Spanish - crusade against the enemy of civilisation and Christianity.” RECEIVED BY THE KING. (Receßcd This Day, 11.15 a.m.) LONDON. December 1. Mr Chamberlain Avas received hv the King this evening.—British Official Wireless.