NORWAY AND SWEDEN

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22920, 17 January 1940, Page 7

NORWAY AND SWEDEN

Russian Radio Attack REPLY TO NOTES NOT ACCEPTED ftnmtTEß PBESS AS9OCIATIOW—COPTEIQH*.) (Received January 16, 11 p.m.) MOSCOW, January 15. The Moscow radio again attacked Sweden and Norway, declaring that both were openly helping the Finns. Their behaviour was incompatible with neutrality. They were acting on the advice oS 'rtfaess.

The Moscow radio als.o stated that Russia was not satisfied with the Norwegian and Swedish replies to the Russian Notes protesting against the giving of help to Finland. Norway and Sweden, it said, had not shown any resistance to the great Powers that were trying to draw them into war against the Soviet Union. SCANDINAVIANS PROTEST RUSSIAN VIOLATIONS OF NEUTRALITY (Received January 16, 9.30 p.m.) OSLO, January 15. Norway and Sweden are protesting to Russia against the violation of their neutrality by the Soviet on January 12 and January 14. When two Soviet aeroplanes violated Norwegian territory, one made a forced landing, and the pilot tried to resist the authorities when they arrested him. SOVIET BOMBING RAIDS Twenty Towns Set On Fire THREE MACHINES SHOT DOWN (Received January 16, 11.30 p.m.)

HELSINKI, January 15

Three hundred Russian aeroplanes left a trail of fire and desolation in South" Finland, setting on fire 20 towns, most of which are not important from a military point .of view, killing 18 persons and injuring 93. Soon after dawn to-day scores of Soviet aeroplanes crossed the Finnish coast, presumably from bases in Estonia, and began bombings. Telephone communication between Helsinki and Stockholm and Copenhagen is reported to be broken.

The Russians machine-gunned vehicles and solitary pedestrians, and bombed three hospitals. The principal target was Wasa, but shop-fronts along the whole street were blown away in Wiipuri.

The Finns shot down three bombers and discovered the wreckage of three others. The Russians dropped 2000 bombs in 42 localities during the week. Finnish officers believe the operations are the result of Russia's anxiety to exploit her air forcfe before Finland can obtain sufficient aeroplanes from abroad to retaliate. A Soviet communique issued in Leningrad confines itself to mentioning reconnaissance work, gunfire, minor infantry engagements, and bombing raids on railway junctions and other military objectives. A Finnish spokesman said to-day that Finland's greatest need was for fighter aeroplanes to challenge the Russian air attacks, which were becoming more frequent and more severe.

NATURE OF U.S. HELP TO FINLAND PROPOSALS TO CONGRESS BY MR ROOSEVELT (Received January 16, 7.5 p.m.) WASHINGTON; January 15. Mr Roosevelt told Congressional leaders that he was sending a communication to the Vice-President (Mr J. N. Garner) and the Speaker of the House of Representatives (Mr W. D. Bankhead), putlining his proposals for helping Finland. The nature of the proposals was not revealed, but Mr Roosevelt's secretary declared that Mr Roosevelt "wants something that will give material relief."

EIRE SENDING £IOOO FOR FINLAND

(Received January 16, 8 p.m.) GENEVA, January 15. The League of Nations has been informed that Eire is sending £IOOO to Finland.