FINLAND’S TASK OF RECONSTRUCTION

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 146, 15 March 1940, Page 9

FINLAND’S TASK OF RECONSTRUCTION

International Help LONDON, March 13. Many countries are turning their thoughts to problems of the reconstruction of the devastated Finnish towns aud countryside, aud also the probable transplantation and rehabilitation of 400,000 Finns who are domiciled in (lie territory ceded to Russia. -Many of these are in dire need. The Hoover Committee in Washington cabled an offer of help to President Kallio. The Swedish Parliament is discussing methods of assisting Finland to “regain her feet.” A Washington message says that the President of Finland cabled to Mr. Herbert Hoover expressing the hope that his relief effort will continue. Mr. Hoover commented: “The fund must continue in order to meet civilian emergencies.” Tlic Federal loan administrator, Mr. Jesse 11. Jones, announced that the 20,000,000-dollar loan to Finland would still be used for the purpose of rehabilitation aud refugee work. Mr. Hoover did not comment on the destination of relief collections. The status of other activities in aid of the Finns, including the tours of the athletes Maaki and Nurmi, is in doubt. TACKLING ECONOMIC PROBLEM LONDON, March 14. The economic consequences from the Finnish frontier revisions are the subject of considerable discussion in Helsinki. One-fifth of Finland's trade went through Viborg and 10 per cent, from Hanko. The Russian gains on the Karelian Isthmus are woodpulp factories and sawmills. There is also the problem of the resettlement of the people who do not want to remain in the territory to be occupied by Russia. The Finnish Government lias announced its intention of introducing relief schemes and the rebuilding of homes destroyed. “The task of reconstruction will demand great sacrifices, but through the sacrifice of our young men we have retained our freedom,” it states.