East and West
Sir, — Although M. Johnston (December 1) acknowledges big differences between democratic socialism and state communism, he implies that Finland and the Baltic States were completely innocent victims of a rapacious Russia early in World War H. Finland and the Baltic States were annexed by Tsarist Russia between 1809 and 1918. All regained independence in 1918 and promptly invaded Russia to stifle the revolution. They failed. Following Soviet attacks in 193940, Finland allied itself with Hitler’s invasion of Russia in 1941-44 and gained a terrible revenge — as did many thousands of Baltic fascists, who joined the S.S. extermination squads. Russia then suffered the greatest material destruction and human deaths in history (20 million), while Germany and the Allies lost about half this appalling number. After the war, the Soviets granted Finland independence, but retained control of the three Baltic States — vividly recalling that area in the West as the springboard of five devastating invasions since 1812. — Yours, etc., M. T. MOORE. December 1,-1987.
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Press, 3 December 1987, Page 50
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165East and West Press, 3 December 1987, Page 50
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