SOVIET DEMANDS

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 November 1939, Page 7

SOVIET DEMANDS

FINLAND’S FIRM STAND

FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE

[BY CABLE PRESS ASSN. COPYRIGHT.]

LONDON, November 1

The Finnish Government has decided to continue negotiations with the Soviet, in spite of the tone of the speech made by the Soviet Foreign Commissar (M. Molotov) yesterday. The Finnish reply to the Russian demands will be presented in Moscow tomorrow.

Speaking at Helsinki, ; the/Finnish Foreign Minister (M. Erkkd)...said tonight that it was impossible for Finland to consent to any arrangement that would remove her independence and chances of self-defence. Finland had declared herself willing to assist Russia in the strengthening of Leningrad. He stated that he would not reveal Finland’s new proposals to Russian until the Finnish delegates themselves had informed the Soviet Government.

The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Swedish Parliament discussed the Baltic situation in the light of M. Molotov’s speech. Norwegian opinion and newspaper view agree that M. Molotov is asking too much in pressing a deal over the Karelia territory, which could not be reconciled with Finnish independence. FINNISH PRECAUTIONS. ' COPENHAGEN, November 2. The Finnish Legation announced that mines had been laid at Hanko and that the channel between the islands of Hastos and Busoe had been closed. NEGOTIATIONS DELAYED. MOSCOW, November 2. The resumption of the Soviet-Finnish negotiations has been delayed, owing to the meeting of the Supreme Council.

NAVAL CLAIM REDUCED.

LONDON, November 2

The Helsinki correspondent of the Associated Press of America states that the Russian claim for a naval base at Hanko has been reduced to a claim for the island of Utoc..

RUSSIA’S REAL AIM.

DRIVE AGAINST GERMANY?

(Recd. November 3,2 p.m.)

LONDON, November 2

The Copenhagen correspondent of “The Times” states that, while Berlin officially sanctions Russia’s demands, many persons’, including military officials and responsible quarters, openly assert that Finland does not threaten Russia, therefore the Russian drive is really aimed at Germany.

A Stockholm message stated: The “Tidningen” says that the Germans are anxious, and even declare that they will volunteer, if possible, to help Finland against Russia.

SPY COMMITS SUICIDE.

LONDON, November 2.

The Oslo correspondent of the Associated Press of America states that a young Norwegian, arrested in Finland. and charged with espionage, confessed, and then shot himself.