FIGHTING IN FINLAND

Evening Star, Issue 23496, 9 February 1940, Page 7

FIGHTING IN FINLAND

RUSSIAN PRESSURE MAINTAINED A SLIGHT GAIN REPORTED LONDON, February 8. A message from Helsinki states that the Russians maintain pressure on a 15mile sector of the Mannerheim Line, but have gained only one mile and a half opposite Summa. The Finns killed or captured 71 parachutists, including female spies. Finnish headquarters unofficially state that the Russians have lost since the outbreak of war 564 tanks, 308 aeroplanes, 203 guns, 294 machine guns, 552 lorries and motor cars, and other material. England has now allowed Finland’s cry to remain unanswered,' and university students, former officers, public school boys, and even housewives are enrolling at the recruiting office of the Finnish Legation. They will soon go to Finland. SYMPATHY FOR FINLAND (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, February 8. (Received February 9, at 11 a.m.) An exchange of messages has taken place between the British and Finqish groups of the Interparliamentary Union. The British message contained a heartfelt expression of profound sympathy in the tragic and unequal contest forced upon Finland. Replying, the Finnish group stated that the British greeting was most encouraging to Finland in her fight for liberty and preservation of occidental civilisation and lawful organisation in North Europe. OFFENSIVE CONTINUED ATTACK ON MANNERHEIM LINE HELSINKI, February 8. (Received February 9, at 11 a.m.) Despite eight days’ failures the Russians are again i-ttacking the Mannerheim line to-day. Apparently they are determined to secure Summa, which is reported to be a mass of ruins from shelling. It is officially stated that the Russians used explosive machinegun bullets in a certain locality in southern Finland.