SOVIET DEMANDS ON FINLAND

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22850, 25 October 1939, Page 9

SOVIET DEMANDS ON FINLAND

Reported Modification Of Claims

PROPOSED NEUTRAL BLOC IN BALKANS

Artillery Activity Resumed On

Western Front

It is understood that Russia has abandoned her claim to the Aaland Islands, in the Gull of Finland, and is merely asking Finland not to fortify them and to remove the present defences. It is said also that Russia does not now seek a military alliance with Finland, but will be content if Finland undertakes not to participate in any combination of Powers directed against the Soviet.

Plans for the establishment of a neutral bloc of south-eastern European States are reported to have reached the stage of serious negotiation. It is believed that the Turkish pact with Britain and Prance excludes the possibility of war in the Balkans, and that the moment is therefore propitious for diplomatic action, which would be the status quo. It is felt that Turkey, Greece, and Jugoslavia would agree to Efforts are being made to bring Hungary into the bloc and it is believed that Italy would like to join.

bas b l en a resumption of artillery activity on the Western Ffbnt as a result of an improvement the ’weather. French patrols have been particularly HCIIV

.... is reported that thousands of British troops are still pouring into France, bringing an immense amount, of supplies and munitions. It is believed that Britain is determined to send forces running into millions if necessary.

The United States liner City of Flint, which was bound from New York to Manchester with a general cargo, including tractors, grain, fruit, leather, and wax, was seized by a German cruiser and taken to Murmansk, where it has been detained by the Soviet authorities. The Germans claim that its cargo was contraband.