TEMPORISING FINNS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 63, 15 March 1944, Page 5

TEMPORISING FINNS

Warned Again By America To Come To Terms NO SIGN OF A DECISION British Official Wireless Rec. 1 p.m. RUGBY, Mar. 14. The United States Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, speaking at a Press conference, once more warned Finland, according to a Washington message, not to delay in coming to terms with Russia. He said the point to which the rulers of Finland have to bring themselves, without too much consideration of ways and means, was withdrawal from association with Germany in the war.

There is still no sign that the Finnish Government nas maae up its mind to accept the six conditions for the armistice formulated by the Soviet Government with the concurrence of the British Government.' It is understood the Finns have received clarification rrom Moscow of the meaning of the required internment of German forces and how it would bear on questions of Finnish neutrality. There are signs that Moscow's patience may not last mucli longer. A# Stockholm message says it is understood that Russia has rejected Finland's proposed amendments to the armistice terms, and has given Finland a few more days to accept the original Russian terms. A message from Helsinki says the Finnish Government must make a quick decision or face serious consequences.

The principal conditions for an armistice with Finland stipulated by Moscow, were: Finland to break with Germany and German troops in Finland to be interned. The Soviet has stated its willingness to assist in this task; the re-establishment of the Soviet-Finnish treaty of 1940; the immediate return of Soviet and Allied prisoners of war, also of interned civilians; the question of demobilisation to be left pending negotiations in Moscow; the question of reparations to be left for negotiations in Moscow.