“Finland Able To Continue Policy”

Press, Volume C, Issue 29682, 28 November 1961, Page 17

“Finland Able To Continue Policy”

(N .2 .P. A.-Reuter—Copy rig ht)

HELSINKI, November 27.

Finland would be able to carry on its policy of neutrality and national independence, President Kekkonen said in a broadcast last night after his return from talks in Siberia with Mr Khrushchev.

The outcome of the meeting was for Russia to call off for the time being a demand for defence talks with Finland. But Mr Khrushchev made it clear that he wants the Finnish leader to consult bun should developments in northern Europe and the Baltic warrant it. President Kekkonen said the basis of Finnish-Soviet relations was, now and in future, that either Russia trusted the political leadership of Finland, its Parliament. Government and the President of the Republic, or it must get guarantees for its security in northern Europe by using the means provided by the agreement of cooperation and assistance. President Kekkonen emphasised that no secret conditions had been presented, and no secret agreements

made during his discussions with Mr Khrushchev. At another point of his speech, he said: “We can continue our neutral foreign policy with confidence There is not the slightest doubt we can, under all conditions, keep to this policy, if we ourselves show such a sense and true national spirit that is called for by our position.” He repeated his warning against “defiance and recklessness —that is now a national danger.” He said Mr Khrushchev showed now. as often before, great understanding toward Finland’s position, its views and wishes. President Kekkonen said that Russia’s fear of accelerated West German rearmament was understandable historically “This concern dictates the moves of the Soviet Union,” he said.