NOTES TO SOVIET

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 October 1939, Page 7

NOTES TO SOVIET

ON BEHALF OF FINLAND RESPECT FOR INDEPENDENCE [BY cable —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] NEW YORK. October 13. The Washington correspondent of the “New York Times” says that the decision to exert the United States’ influence on behalf of Finland was Mr. Roosevelt’s own, reached after weighing the possibilities that the action could he miscontrued by Moscow, by the Scandinavian States, or by Congress. It. was hoped that Russia would not construe it as unwarranted, that the Scandinavian States and other Powers would not believe America was linking her fortunes with other countries, and that Congress would not resent it as undue interference in European politics. The first reactions in Washington showed the latter fear to be baseless. The “New York Times,” in a leading article entitled “We speak for Finland.” says that the United States’ prompt and unusual diplomatic initiative on behalf of Finland reflects the unanimous sentiments of the American people. “We cannot do more for Finland and we could hardly do less,” it says. FINNISH MOBILISATION LONDON, October 13. The Helsinki correspondent of the British United Press says it is authoritatively stated that Finland now has 300,000 men under arms. This is almost the full strength of the Finnish army, but it is estimated that another 150,000 volunteers could be mobilised if necessary. A message from Helsinki says that the city was almost deserted overnight. Almost half the population had departed. Even open cattle-trucks were used to carry those evacuated. A message from Paris says that the Russian-Finnish talks last night lasted an hour. It is understood that the Soviet demands are at present not fully stated, but the basis is apparently the cession to the Soviet of a small island at the entrance to the Gulf of Finland and territory in the Karelian Forest.

MR. ROOSEVELT’S STATEMENT. NEW YORK, October 13. Mr. Roosevelt, at a Press conference, said that the American representations 'to Russia were merely an expression of interest. “I hope that nothing will be done to disturb peaceful relations in the Baltic, or the independence of Finland.” He added that diplomatic action should not be construed in any way as a pressure move by the American Government, which therefore was withholding at present the text of the representations. They were in the form of a personal message from the President, addressed to M. Kalinin. Despite the visits of Scandinavian diplomats, Mr. Roosevelt said, there was no suggestion of joint action. The President’s message was inspired only by the fear that the Baltic situation was heading towards an extension of the war. INTRIGUE IN MOSCOW BY NON-RUSSIAN FORCES NEW YORK. October 12. The Moscow correspondent of the “New York Times” (Mr. G. E. R. Gedye) says: “Russia and Finland have both taken military precautions similar to those in other European countries frequently during the last 20 years without clashing, but the Scandinavian countries are satisfied that non-Russian forces in Moscow are seeking to increase RussianScandinavian tension, and are also spreading premature reports of excessive Russian demands in the hope of creating a situation in which Russia will lose face by moderating whatever demands she may have contemplated. “The motive of this is to provoke a Russian-Scandinavian conflict and bring Russia more actively on Germany’s side against the Western Powers. “The news of the British-Soviet trade agreement has intensified these efforts to provoke a conflict with the Scandinavian countries which it is believed to be certain will involve Russia in war with Britain and France.” CONFERENCE AT STOCKHOLM. STOCKHOLM, October 13. King Gustav has invited the President of Finland and the Kings of Denmark and Norway to attend a conference here on October 18. All have accepted. PACTS WITH SOVIET. MOSCOW, October 12. The Latvian delegation has arrived, to conclude a commercial treaty. Parliament, has ratified the SovietLithuanian Pact. RUSSO—TURKISH TALKS . ANKARA, October 13. M. Saracoglu is returning from Mos- , cow on October 14. leading to the supposition that the Russian-Turkish defence pact has been signed.