HELP FOR FINNS

Evening Star, Issue 23492, 5 February 1940, Page 7

HELP FOR FINNS

IMMEDIATE NEED STRESSED TRIBUTES TO MAGNIFICENT STAND LONDON, February 3. The need for help for the Finns is the subject of British Press comment. The ‘ Daily Herald ’ says: “ If heroism and national will power can save a small nation, Finland will be saved, but how long can even these stout virtues hold out, almost unaided, against unreasonably superior numbers? ” The 1 News Chronicle’s ’ comment is expressed in the headline, “ Finland must not lose.” The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ special correspondent says: “If the civil morale is ( to be maintained there must be more aircraft to fight og the Russian raiders, 1 and the Finnish army, continuously on the tactical offensive under most arduous conditions since the beginning of September, must be given a rest.” Prominence is given to an interview at Helsinki in which Sir Walter Citrine, the leader of the British Labour delegation to Finland, paid an eloquent tribute to the magnificent stand made by the Finns, but stressed the urgent need for help, adding that continuance of all possible assistance from Britain could be looked for. Sir Walter also remarked on the difference between the damage done by Russian bombers to workers’ quarters and to military objectives—the former suffering most as the result of indiscriminate bombing from a great height, intended to demoralise the civilian population. RAISING FUNDS IN AMERICA NEW YORK, February 4. Nurmi and Maki paraded with bands on their arrival to launch a campaign to raise funds for Finland. The mayor (Mr La Guardia) said; “ You are most fitting envoys as Finland demonstrates that she runs only forward.” Instead of the customary paper, coins were showered on the athletes as they drove along Broadway, preceded by a huge Finnish flag held by 50 girls in national dress. Sixteen thousand people cheered them at Madison Square Garden to-night, declaring: “You can’t fight the Russians with a warm overcoat and a pocketful of doughnuts.” NEW ZEALAND'S CONTRIBUTION FINNISH MINISTER'S THANKS (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, February ,4. (Received February 5, at 10 a.m.) In his thanks to New Zealand for its contribution of £5,000 towards Red Cross work in Finland the Finnish Minister of Finance laid stress on the “strong bonds of sympathy between New Zealand and the Finnish people in their courageous defence of those principles of freedom, self-determina-tion, and democracy that wo ourselves are pledged to vindicate.” FINNS' GALLANT STAND OUTSIDE AID ESSENTIAL (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, February 4. (Received February 5, at noon.) The British Labour delegates, who are returning from a visit to Finland to-day, attended a meeting of northern countries’ Labour movements at Copenhagen. Sir Walter Citrine said he saw no signs of tiredness, hopelessness, or collapse in Finland. He was returning convinced that the Finns could hold out, and not merely for the winter. But, naturally, quick and comprehensive outside help was essential, for their own resources were limited. Everyone capable of bearing arms had been called to the colours. Finland needed foreign volunteer workers, as well as soldiers and doctors. He repeated the assurance he gave the Finns before he left Helsinki—that England would do her utmost to help within the structure of the League of Nations resolution. MASS AIR ATTACK 4DD SOVIET PLANES ENGAGED BOMBS RAINED ON FINLAND HELSINKI, February 4. '(Received February 5, at noon.) The Russians rained thousands of bombs on southern and centra! Finland yesterday. Four hundred planes participated in the heaviest air offensive since the outbreak of the war, killing 100, and injuring over 100, hitting three hospitals and seven air raid shelters. Sixteen planes fired on the Chapel of Sinaejoki, in the Wasa district, killing 10. Thirty-six bombers attacked Kervo, causing serious fires. The damage was also heavy in Viipuri and the outskirts of Helsinki. The Finns in the north front sent up the biggest fleet of planes sfnce the outbreak of the war, driving back Russian bombers reconnoitring over Petsamo. It is officially stated that the Finns shot down at least 13, and probably 19, bombers on February 2. The Russian attack at Summa seems to have failed, though the intense

shelling of the Finns’ defences continues. Finnish reports on Friday’s fighting on the isthmus and eastern front claim that the Russians lost over 1,000 killed and 60 tanks destroyed or captured. Russian attacks north-east of Lake Ladoga, and at Salla and Kuhmo, were repulsed, Finnish patrols operating far into Russia. A message from Leningrad says the military authorities issued a statement that, despite modem planes from England, France, the United States, Sweden, and Italy, the Finnish airmen were incapable of protecting commanding points, including the Finnish headquarters at Lahti, Lovaniemi, Sortavala, and Yiiburg, which the Soviet bomber* demolished.