A SUMMARY OF THE SITUATION

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 146, 15 March 1940, Page 10

A SUMMARY OF THE SITUATION

Overseas news is still dominated by the peace in I'inland and examination of its consequences. Comments ol Finnish leaders reemphasize the vital influence on the course of events of the decisions of Norway and Sweden to keep closed the only artery through which the much-needed transfusion of military assistance could, in their view, have been made. An immediate major development has been the announcement by the Finnish Foreign Minister that Finland, Norway and Sweden are immediately to confer with the aim of concluding a defensive alliance. The Swedish Foreign Minister observes that the war still presents grave risks to the northern peoples. There is a wide variety of comment on the conclusion of the peace. One or two neutral sources blame the Allies lor leaving their most concrete help till too late, but Mr. Chamberlain, in answer to a question in the House of Commons, said it was not true to say that repeated requests for men had been made by the Finns. They had made many requests for materials and every one had been answered. On February 25 the Finns had been told that the Allies were prepared to send men also if asked but the Finns had decided not to make the request. The Finns are said to have received the news of the peace with mingled feelings, without celebrations or joy. Swedes are said to feci bitter grief. Meanwhile several nations are turning their thoughts to assistance in the work of rehabilitation, and the American 20,000.000-dollar loan is to be made available for this purpose. * * :H * * South-eastern Europe again claims attention. A Bucharest message says that a Rumanian delegation has gone to Berlin, where plans for a Russo-Rumanian pact of non-aggression are reported to be under consideration. In Turkey the Government is reported to be considering an Italian proposal for direct collaboration it Russia should move against the Balkans. From Turkey comes another statement that she is prepared to use all her military strength to resist any Russian aggression. The Italian Under-Secretary for War has announced that Italy, with 1,000,000 men under arms and her natural frontier barriers fortified, is ready to defend her liberty of action. * ■+ * * * Mr. Churchill and high naval officials have told the Minister of Economic Warfare that the Navy is capable of undertaking a patrol of the Pacific to seal a channel by which Germany, via the Siberian railway, is believed to be obtaining large war cargoes, albeit at a very high cost. It is remarked that it would be necessary to consult the Governments of other nations in the Pacific befote such a step was taken. Britain’s war expenditure under all headings has been estimated by the Chancellor of the Exchequer at about £6.500.000 a day. Sir Michael O’Dwyer. Lieutenant-Governor of the Punjab during the Amritsar affair, was shot dead and three other members of a distinguished gathering wounded when an Indian gunman fired. a fusillade of shots at a meeting of the British India Association in London. A man has been arrested.