LEAGUE PROPOSES TRUCE IN FINNISH WAR

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 68, 13 December 1939, Page 9

LEAGUE PROPOSES TRUCE IN FINNISH WAR

Russian Rebuff Likely

DELEGATES’ EFFORTS TO AID VICTIMS

Dramatic Session Under Way (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright.) .Received December 12, 8.15 p.m. LONDON, December 12. So few delegates were present at the opening of the League Assembly in Geneva yesterday that the hall seemed almost deserted. The meeting immediately adjourned to enable the constitution committee to consider Finland s appeal. The committee decided in the afternoon to telegraph Russia and Finland proposing an immediate cessation of hostilities and negotiations under the auspices of the Assembly. It stipulated that Russia withdraw her troops. A period of 24 hours has been given for reply. The Soviet spokesman said that there is a fifty-fifty chance that Moscow will accept mediation liy the League. However, with their minds focused on concretely and materially helping Finland as equally important as . condemning Russia, the members of the League committee to which binland s appeal was handed by the'Assembly proceeded with their work last night on the assumption that Russia would disregard or reject the mediation appeal. . ' The British delegate, Mr. R. A. Butler (Foreign UndeiSecretary), who was responsible for the inclusion of the 24-hours time limit, declared. “We have no illusions regarding the outcome.” Mr. Butler also expressed the opinion that sentiment, is crystallizing against an expulsion of Russia, adding that Britain would support "whatever action the majority might decide upon.

The Latiu-American nations are split: Columbia is urging mediation and Argentina is urging the expulsion of Russia. At the same time these countries, including Columbia, are agreed that if mediation fails they will support the strongest measures against Russia. Expulsion, however, would directly affect a number of States, including Turkey, Iran and China, since the Russian representatives, who boycotted the Assembly and Council, indicated that they would regard abstention from voting as tantamount to support for the League’s condemnation or expulsion. They also plainly hinted at reprisals, which possibly would be directed against India. It is reported that Finland accepts League mediation. The Russian representatives spent most of the day in their hotel. “Heroic Defence.” Extraordinary police precautions were taken inside and outside ’ the League buildings. The public were not admitted. Forty, nations were represented and 13 were absent. Mr. C. J. Hambro (Norway) was unanimously elected President of the Assembly. The Assembly handed over the Finnish appeal to a committee, which met immediately after the Assembly adjourned. The committee includes England, France, Sweden, Norway, India, Canada, Egypt, Portugal, Venezuela. Bolivia. Uruguay, and Siam. Mr. Ilambro announced before the adjournment that Lithuania had withdrawn its candidacy for a seat on the Council. The President asked delegates to stand by day and night in order to expedite the appeal. All the delegates except those of Cliina and Latvia applauded a speech by M. Ilambro in reference to the Finnish appeal. “One member of the League which is threatened by another is defending its rights heroically,” said Mr. Hambro. “We are now called on to prevent what is happening from spreading. We must act with prudence and foresight in order to make this Assembly the starting point for a new League. It is the duty of every member of the League to remain true to its ideals. The League was created to keep the peace.”

The Finnish delegate, Dr. Holsti, was loudly applauded when he asked the League to give “all the practical support possible.” “We cannot protect the Finns from the aggressors’ bullets, grenades, shrapnel, and gas with international resolutions,” said Dr. Holsti. “Gentlemen, do your duty. The Finns are doing theirs toward the entire civilized world, and are paying with the most precious thing, namely, their own blood. We don’t believe the world will let us fight alone. Our geographical position permits us to expect the active aid of all civilized nations.” Litvinov Quoted. Dr. Holsti quoted extensively from the speech of JI. Litvinov, when, as Russian delegate, he spoke before the Assembly two years ago and condemned aggression and tried to get the League to help the Spanish republicans. Among the statements made by JI. Litvinov (states a Daventry report) was one in 1935 dealing with the war in Spain:— “It is time the defenders of peace called a spade a spade, and an aggressor an aggressor, no matter in what disguise.” “Those,” said Dr. Holsti, "are the Soviet’s own words, yet look what she is doing today.” Fourteen documents submitted to the League by Finland as a background to her appeal were issued by the Secre-tary-General. They contain the text of Notes between Russia and Finland from October 14 to November 29. The disagreement by some States on the question of expelling Russia is not expected to prevent a strong condemnation of Russia, and it is believed in some quarters that the resolution will contain a clause leaving it open to the League members to take whatever action they think fit to help'Finland. This is the procedure which was followed when China appealed against Japan. The principal delegates nt Genova state that there will be no undue dolav in dealing with the matters before the League at. the present sessions of the Council and the Assembly (states an Official Wireless message), and it is generally anticipated that rhe deliber ations will be completed by Thursday.