HELP FOR FINNS

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22922, 19 January 1940, Page 9

HELP FOR FINNS

Swedish Policy Declared

“NO ORDERS FROM ABROAD”

(HOTTED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.)

(Received January 18, 1.55 p.m.)

STOCKHOLM, January 17.

The Prime Minister of Sweden (Mr P. A. Hansson) declared: “We need no orders from abroad concerning- our relations with Finland, but we will judge for ourselves how we can give the best service to Finland’s and the northern countries’ cause.

“Our foreign policy is unchanged. We shall defend our independence and neutrality.

“The Western Powers have not applied pressure on us. Ger-. many has net threatened us. We will meet any attemnt to violate our neutrality with all the powers at our disposal.

“There is no question of breaches of neutrality such as permission for belligerent troops to traverse Sweden or use bases there. Sweden continues to collaborate with the small free States in order to ensure neutrality and independence. “There is no question of a military coalition nor an obligation on Sweden. Help for Finland has our sympathy, but caution must be exercised if we are to avoid becoming a party to the conflict.” The House applauded the former Foreign Minister (Mr R. J, Sandler) when he vehemently denounced the neutrality policy. He added that Sweden should safeguard the neutrality of the Aaland Islands with armed force.

He deplored the lack of Scandinavian co-operation, adding that the recent meeting of the States was a beautiful event, but collaboration had been torpedoed behind, the scenes from the start. Sweden had not been ready to take the necessary steps when the time came, but it was not too late yet.

FINLAND’S NEED OF SUPPLIES

VOLUNTEERS LEAVE NORWAY

LONDON, January 17,

Finland’s need for supplies of fighting material is illustrated by a story told about an air force pilot. A few days ago he wrote to . a friend saying; “In the daytime my machine is shot full of holes. At night the mechanics patch it up. In the morning I take it up into the air to see if it works, and if if does I go off to fight the Russians,” Since then the pilot has been killed and., his patcned-up machine destroyed. A contingent of Norwegian volunteers will leave to-morrow to join the Finns in their fight against the Russians.

CABLE MESSAGES IN BRIEF

Savings in Britain—The national savings appeal has realised £ 62,000,000 in eight weeks.—London, Jan. 18. Turkish Earthquake Disaster— The cold continues in Turkey, where eight further earthquake shocks brought .down buildings damaged earlier. Britain is sending 41,000 garments, 800 tons of food, and several field kitchens. Warships have brought medical supplies.—Ankara, Jan. 17.

Attempted Sabotage—An attempt was made recently to wreck a machine worth £15,000 at the Pyrmont works of the Colonial Sugar Refinery Company. Bolts and pieces of steel were placed in the cogs of the machine and between the giant rollers,' The police are satisfied that it was a deliberate act of sabotage and a reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator.—Sydney, Jan, 18. German Cardinal's ObjectionCardinal Bertram, Archbishop of Breslau, has objected- to official approval being given to children being born • out of wedlock during war time. He has issued a pastoral letter drawing attention to the Seventh Commandment. —Berlin, Jan. 17.

Liner Merkur Still Aground—The Burns Philp liner Merkur is still fast aground on the Northern Territory coast. Attempts to tow her off the reef failed. The company’s freighter Tulagi and its liner Marella are now standing by. Calm weather prevails and the Merkur is in no danger.—Sydney. Jan. 18. Archbishop’s Warning—The Archbishop of Brisbane (Dr. J. W. C. Ward) arrived by the Mariposa. In an interview he gave a warning that world chaos would result if the trend away from ideals and morals continued. Church, civic, army, and navy leaders attended a luncheon in his honour. He will continue his voyage to-night.—Honolulu, Jan. 17.

American Tobacco Imports—To conserve the supply of American dollars, the British Government has instructed tobacco. manufacturers to qease importing American tobacco. —London, Jan. 18.

Papal Blessing to N.Z.—The Pope will broadcast a blessing to New Zealand at' 9 a.m. (Greenwich Mean Time) on February 1, on the occasion of the closing of the Eucharistic Congress.—Vatican City. Jan. 17.

aid for military purposes instead of expecting the United States to do

It is said that the Treasury list of British security holdings in the United States shows approximately 1,000,000,000 dollars, most of which can be liquidated in orderly fashion without greatly affecting American economy. Moreover', if Britain established in New York a financial institution with sufficient capital to apply to the United States Government for a loan against American securities, the impression here is that credits of perhaps 500,000,000 dollars could be allowed. . Such credits, according to views privately heard in Congress, could be used partly to assist Finland and partly for the immediate purchase of military supplies.

U.S. RELATIONS WITH JAPAN

EMBARGO PROPOSALS . TO BE STUDIED (Received January 19, 12.15 a.m.) WASHINGTON, January 17. Senator Key Pittman, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced, that the committee was subjecting Japanese-Ameri-can relations to extensive study. At the earliest possible opportunity following the expiration of the commercial treaty on January 28, the committee would invite testimony from the Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) and others in the State Department, after which it would study two pending proposals for an embargo on exports to Japan of munitions and other materials likely to aid Japan in the war on China.

MOVEMENTS OF THE , DEUTSCHLAND

ATTACK ON CONVOY WITHHELD

PARIS, January 18,

M. Alphonse Rio. the French Minister for Mercantile Marine, disclosed that the German pocket battleship Deutschland was out recently, but did not attack an Atlantic convoy because of the presence of a submarine.

BRITISH IMPORTS UNDER LICENCE

BACON, HAM, AND LARD ADDED LONDON, January 17. The Food Ministry has added bacon, ham, and lard to the list_ of commodities which may not be imported except under licence.