BRITAIN AND FINLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 69, 21 March 1940, Page 6

BRITAIN AND FINLAND.

If it may be assumed that all the facts have been disclosed, Mr. Chamberlain made an effective reply to those who have criticised the British Government for its failure to give effectual help to Finland. The question of sending help was not one between Britain and France on the one hand, and Finland on the other, Sweden and Norway, and Germany, also came into it. Germany threatened the Scandinavian nations, so that they could not fear, and with good reason, that if they, permitted the passage of regular armed forces their countries would become a battleground, and perhaps the chief battleground. Part of the Allied force —apparently one-half of it —was to be reserved for the assistance of Sweden if she were attacked. It is not difficult to imagine that if Allied and German armies had clashed in Sweden there would soon have been created there another "front, ,, and in the struggle for supremacy the needs of Finland in her fight against Russia could hardly have been supplied. The Allies might have welcomed the prospect of another "front" —but Sweden and Norway u'cl not. It is, however, curious that, in the face of the Scandinavian refusal, the preparation of the expeditionary force was continued by the Allies, "hoping that at the last moment Sweden and Norway would relent." Governments usually require a firmer basis than this before they proceed with the preparation of an enterprise so important and so hazardous. For ! Mr. Chamberlain's declaration that I the Government will not be " hustled into adventures " there will be general approval, except by those who want, at all costs, "action," even thougK the costs are measured in human lives. S