AMERICAN MEDIATION

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 October 1939, Page 7

AMERICAN MEDIATION

APPEAL BY SCANDINAVIANS To Moderate Soviet Demands £by CABLE —PRESB ASSN. — COPYRIGHT.] NEW YORK, October 11. The Washington correspondent of the United Press of America learns that Sweden, Norway, and Finland have suggested to the United States joint overtures to Russia against immoderate dealings with Finland. The Washington correspondent of the Associated Press of America says that the United States is prepared to throw her diplomatic weight into the effort to preserve peace in the Baltic,- but officials want to await further word from Moscow. Apparently the Russian demands are not yet known. The State Department announces that no diplomatic approaches had yet been made to Russia. Diplomats of interested Powers said that the situation was too delicate to discuss.

The Washington correspondent of the “New York Times” says that Finland’s absorption by Russia would cause a wave of resentment, in the United States greater than that at the over-running of Poland. The Foreign Minister (M. Erkko) will broadcast to America to-morrow, begging the United States to intervene and stay Russia’s hand. The Finns are bewildered by the rapid march of events, and are clinging to the desperate hope that American interests in Scandinavia may act -as a-brake on the Soviet’s ambitions. The Finnish newspapers express deep appreciation of Britain’s attitude, but active assistance from Britain is not expected. The “New York Times,” in an editorial, .says: “In their courageous stand the Finns have the sympathy of all Americans, not only because of their unique record in paying all their debts, but because in- 20 years they have built up a free, sound and enlightened State. No nation in Europe better deserves to survive.” U.S. REPRESENTATIONS. “EARNEST HOPE” EXPRESSED. (Received October 13, 10 ,a.m.) NEW YORK, October 12. The Washington correspondent of the United Press reports: It'is authoritatively stated that the United. States is expressing to the Soviet “its earnest hope that nothing will occur calculated to affect injuriously the peaceful relations between the Soviet and Finland.” The action of the- United States is unilateral, entirely independent, arid without similar, representations from other Powers. The American Ambassador, Mr. Steinhardt, visited the Kremlin to-day and saw M. Molotov. FINLAND DETERMINED. - RESISTANCE TO DICTATION. LONDON, October 12. M. Erkko. Finland’s Foreign Minister. told the North American Newspaper Alliance that Finland would not sign a dictated agreement incompatible with her independence, intergrity and neutrality. Finland was jealous of these because she was historically and geographically a unit. She was ready to protect herself and her rights against any aggression with all the means available to a united nation, he added. Finland’s relations with Sweden as well as with the whole of Scandinavia at this moment were, stronger than ever.

Alarmed at Russia’s strides in the domination of the Baltic, the Scandinavian Powers are urging Britain and France speedily to halt the war. The Finnish “protection corps” now numbers 100,000, but it is emphasised that this does not constitute mobilisation.

M. Passikivi, the Finnish Minister who has gone to Moscow, has no authority to conclude, an agreement with Russia. The decision rests with Parliament. \ SUPPORT FROM SWEDEN. NEW YORK, October 12. The Moscow correspondent of the “New. York Times” (Mr G. E. R. Gedye) states: “It is politically significant that the only persons other than Soviet and Finnish officials to receive the Finnish delegation were the Swedish Minister and his entire staff. “The negotiations with Finland are of a very different character from those with the other States The latter were aware not only that they were helpless, but that there was

a certain moral justification, as Russia was without an ice-free port on the Baltic. “Finland, in i spite of a population of only 3,500,000, has a well-trained army, and also has largely a marshy frontier which is unsuitable to rapid military operations. Furthermore, she is assured of strong backing from Sweden, which is capable of putting 650,000 men in the field. However, it should not be suggested that the Finns are coming in a truculent spirit. “Although the Finns resolutely refused to admit it, if proper, compensation were offered they might eventually consider a proposal to cede: or permit the Soviet to fortify Hough Island and three other small islands far from the Finnish coast dominating Kronstadt. Geographically, these are part of Russia rather than of Finland. “Further demands possibly contemplated for the bases on the Finnish mainland or the cession of the northern corridor at Petsamo will certainly meet with the stoutest opposition. “Any demands affecting the Aaland Islands could not be tolerated by Sweden, which might well decide in such an event to occupy the islands herself. The Finns hope the demands will be mainly commercial, to which they will be most ready to listen.” The Swedish Minister for Defence (M. Skold) said' that Sweden would start the construction of two battleships already decided upon. He pointed out that Sweden already possessed many destroyers of the latest type. Two Bills have been passed, one of which provides severe penalties for espionage. /

EMERGENCY PREPARATIONS MORE TROOPS CALLED UP (Recd. Oct. 13, 2.15 p.m.). * HELSINKI, October 12. Quarters in close contact with the Government are inclined, to. .believe that the Russian demands will be confined to the three islands commanding the approaches to Kronstadt and Leningrad, which might be regarded favourably, if the compensation were adequate. The Government is determined flatly to reject anything in the nature of an ultimatum. In the meantime, emergency preparations continue. The gulf ports of Helsinki, Hango, Viburg, Burga and Kotka, are reported to have been closed to Finnish shipping. More reservists have been called up, and virtual mobilisation has been completed of troops stationed at strategic points on the frontiers. Air-raid shelters are being dug. Squadrons of Soviet planes are reconnoitring the Finnish coast. Red Army troops continue to assemble on the frontiers.

M. Erkko, in a statement, said: No demands have yet been submitted. We have been asked to exchange views. There is no reason to reject the request. FINNISH OPTIMISM. ' HELSINGFORS, October 12. The Foreign Office spokesman expressed optimism, and reiterated Finland’s appreciation o£ the sympathy of England, America, and Scandinavia. The naval authorities have instructed shipping to leave ports in the South of Finland, and call at Western ports. BROADCAST CANCELLED. HELSINKI. October 12. M. Erkko’s broadcast to the United States has been cancelled the German radio refusing to relay it, because it is regarded as being “political.” OCCUPATION OF VILNA ' KAUNAS. October 12. The Lithuanian parliament will meet on October 14, to discuss ratification of the Russian Pact. The army will begin the occupation of Vilna. next week. The Soviet garrisons in Lithuania are expected to total 20,000 men. according to German agency reports. DENMARK FACING RUIN. LONDON, October 12. The Associated Press of America Copenhagen correspondent says that Denmark. Europe’s greatest producer of bacon, butter and eggs, is facing ruin, because two of her best customers. namely. England and Germany, are at. war. Last year, these products comprised two-thirds of the total export revenue, of which Britain took 55 per cent., and Germany 20 per cent. Germany is now intercepting Danish ships going to Britain, and for this reason England may be compelled to •obtain supplies from the Empire and the Argentine. ROUMANIAN AGRICULTURE BUCHAREST, October 12. Tens of thousands of soldiers have been released, to help in Autumn ploughing. The Roumanian Government has granted a loan for the relief of agricultural distress in Bessarabia. It has also agreed to allow the Hungarian minority to send their children to their own schools