Will Not Negotiate

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 142, 13 December 1939, Page 11

Will Not Negotiate

REPORTED DECISION TO LEAVE LEAGUE

Help to Finland

ALLIES MAY GIVE SUPPLIES

(By Telegraph-—Press Association—Copyright.) (Received December 13, 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 12. The Paris radio announced that the Bussian reply to the League's proposal of an immediate cessation of hostilities and negotiations under the auspices of the League Assembly has been received in Geneva and is of a negative nature, Reports are circulating that the Soviet has decided to withdraw from the League. With their minds focused on concretely find materially helping Finland as benip; equally important us condemning Russia, the. members of Ihe League Committee to which Finland'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, who was responsible for the inclusion of the 24-hoiirs time limit, declared: "We have no illusions regarding" the outcome." Mr. Butler also expressed the opinion that sentiment is crystallising against expulsion of Russia, adding that Britain would support whatever action the majority might decide upon. Soviet sources described the Committee as "packed," declaring that only four of the 13 States represented on it have relations with Russia. It is expected that Britain and France will supply Finland with war materials via Sweden. The Latin-American States, which are most insistent that Russia should be expelled, have promised to supply the Finns with nitrates and beef. Though the Latin American nations are split, they are agreed that if mediation fails they will support the strongest measures against Russia. The expulsion of Russia, however, ■would directly affect a number of States, including Turkey, Iran, and China, .since the Russian representatives, who boycotted the Assembly and the Council, indicated that they avoulcl regard abstention from voting as tantamount to support for the League's condemnation or expulsion. They also plainly hinted at reprisals, Avhich possibly would be directed against India. The Rome radio stated that Berlin officially denied that Herr Hitler asked M. Molotov, the Russian Prime Minister, to negotiate for peace wilh Finland.