DEFENCE TALKS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29680, 25 November 1961, Page 11

DEFENCE TALKS

Russia And Finland (N .Z.P.A -Reuter—Copyright) MOSCOW, Nov. 24. Mr Khrushchev and President Kekkonen of Finland today began Joint defence talks in Novosibirsk, capital of Siberia. Taas said the two leaders had met, but gave no details. The talks followed demands by the Russians for a meeting to discuss an alleged threat of attack from West Germany and her allies. Finland wishes to maintain its neutral policy and avoid a defence alliance with Russia. In Helsinki, Mr KarlAugust Fagerholm, Speaker of the Finnish Parliament, yesterday proposed that the Finnish Presidential elections, due next February, should be postponed and President Kekkonen’s term extended under an emergency law. The proposal was made in an open letter to the parties supporting the Bourgeoise Party candidate, Mr Olavi Honka, who is opposing President Kekkonen. President Kekkonen was responsible for foreign policy and the letter said "it would be reasonable in this delicate situation to allow him to devote all his energies to these problems and not to be forced to devote time and labour to an election campaign." The Speaker said precedent existed for avoiding a presidential election by use of a special law when the circumstances were exceptional. Belgian Vote On Troops (N ZJ’ A.-Reuter—Copyright) BRUSSELS. Nov. 23. The Belgian House of Representativee tonight passed a bill authorising West German troops to stay in Belgium. and to cross the country. Voting was 123 to 47, with four abstentions. The Roman Catholics, who will form the coalition Government with the Socialists, voted for the measure, and so did the Liberal Opposition. Moat of the Socialists voted against. SlOm 8.0A.C. Loss (N J* A .-Rwrter—CopyrlpM» LONDON, Nov 24. The British Overseas Airways Corporation, one of Britain’s two State-owned airlines, expects to take a loss of about £lO million this year after paying interest on capital, the Minister of Aviation. Mr Peter Thorneycroft, said last night. The other State airline. British European Airways, had a chance of breaking even, be said.