A SUMMARY OF THE SITUATION

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 147, 16 March 1940, Page 12

A SUMMARY OF THE SITUATION

Messages from Helsinki emphasize the precarious military position of Finland in the last fortnight of the war with Russia. Seemingly the defence of the Mannerheim Line caused a high proportion of casualties among troops who had been fighting without rest for weeks. What was still more serious, the Russian offensive on the right flank of the front had assumed the proportions of an encirclement: Finnish batteries on the mainland between Viborg and Helsinki were in action. These circumstances, however, already belong to the past. The question of the moment is not why Finland capitulated so abruptly, but what lies in store for her and Scandinavia as a whole under the Soviet shadow. The London conservative Press does not mince words. 3he peace terms arc described as “an insolent mutilation’ of Finland. Not only is the little republic considered to be placed at the mercy of Russia militarily, but it is also pointed out that the Finnish Government will have to be strong if Bolshevist influences are to be resisted. * * * There is a conflict of opinion in Scandinavia on the proposal for a defensive alliance between Sweden, Norway and Finland. The three Governments appear to be willing to discuss such a pact providing it be compatible with Finland's non-aggression pledges to Russia. Cautious Swedes and Norwegians, however, question the desirability of linking with a buffer State which “can no longer be considered fully independent.” In the meantime Scandinavia is displaying eagerness to assist in the economic rehabilitation of Finland. Sweden is to provide loans and credits to the amount of £18,000,000 and co-operative measures are being taken to deal with the problem of settling and assisting 400,000 Finns who are uprooting themselves from the ceded areas in preference to living under Red rule. * * * * * By her territorial gains on the Gulf of Finland, including the Hanko concession, Russia’s position in the Baltic is substantially strengthened and that of the Scandinavian States correspondingly weakened. Therein lies the sum total of the direct gain made by Germany as a result of her partner's brutal campaign, The Nazis have padded themselves in the north-west against the pincer-grip of the Allied blockade. But there is another aspect of the new situation. Russia, is now freer to co-operate with Germany, and all Europe is watching for the next move. The presence of a Rumanian delegation in Berlin has given rise to rumours that a non-aggression pact between Russia and Rumania is being negotiated. Nazi propagandists are asserting that such an agreement would be “another disappointment” to the Allies. Jt is plain that they hope Rumania may be brought more closely under Russo-German influence so as to become an eastern pad for Germany against the blockade pincer. There is also the possibility that the negotiations in Berlin are the beginnings of a Russo-German drive toward the Black Sea. The Alfies are reported to be preparing to spend 100.000.000 dollars in the United States —on the financing of new manufacturing plants as well as on ready-made supplies for war purposes. . . . A Washington correspondent has produced a tale of Anglo-French disagreement on the question of military aid to Finland—a. tale which supposes an astonishing acquaintance with most private deliberations of the Allied War Council.