FINLAND AND SOVIET

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 November 1939, Page 7

FINLAND AND SOVIET

LIMIT TO CONCESSIONS

HOPE FOR SETTLEMENT

[by cable —press Assn. —copyright.]

LONDON, November 2.

The Finnish delegation arrived in Moscow this morning with the Finnish reply to the latest Russian demands.

The Finnish Foreign Minister (M. Erkko) said last night that the reply would show that . Finland was prepared to make a far-reaching settlement, but there was a limit to the compliance of every nation. M. Erkoo pointed out that Finland’s treaties with Russia were still in force, and he asked what guarantees would be given that any new treaties would be respected. The Moscow correspondent of the “New York Times,” Mr. G. E. R. Gedye, says: “Apparently Finland is now willing to cede .Hogland and other islands off Kronstadt, and also territory in the extreme north of Finland; hut she will fight rather than lease Hanko as a Soviet base. “In spite of M. Molotov’s threats, the Finns seem to believe that the Soviet recognises that the concessions are generous and will conclude a peaceful agreement. “Everyone is looking towards'Sweden. It is felt that a definite decision by Sweden to maintain in all circumstances the solidarity of the Scandinavian .bloc would-' stabilise the situation and avert the possibility of a conflict. Without Denmark the Scandinavian States could mobilise 1,000,000 men.

“Germany is adroitly exploiting the situation, blackmailing the Scandinavians into supporting the campaign against the British blockade, but it is hardly likely that the Scandinavians are impressed by Germany’s ability to restrain Russia. ■ SOVIET PRESS ATTACK “DIRECT THREAT”. BY FINLAND., ~. (Recd. Nov. 4, 10.30 a.m.) MOSCOW, November 3. The Radio morning, bulletin lengthily quoted “Pravda’s” declaration that M. Erkko followed up M. Molotov’s speech with what is, in fact, an.appeal to a war against Russia. “Although commonsense should have obliged the Finns to come to an arrangement with the . Soviet, some Finnish leaders do not want a treaty. A section of the Finnish Press is distorting the Soviet aims.. Finland’s precautions are only taken by countries preparing for war. M. Erkko has delivered a direct threat against Russia. Colonel Beck recently spoke in the same spirit, and by the same methods provoked the war with Germany. The Powers on whom Finland is relying provoked the present war, and tried to involve us. These same-Pow-ers provoked Poland to march into War.”

“Pravda,” attacking Sweden for supporting Finland, asserts that Swedish politicians are under the orders of Western bosses,. It adds that. Russia would cast to the devil-all" political gamblers’ games,, and would tread her own path, despite everything, and smashing every obstacle en route to her. goal.

FINNISH DEFENCE LOAN

HELSINKI Nov; 3.

Contributions to the Defence Loan of £2,380.000 are exceeding all expectations. . ■ - . ■ ■

TURKEY AND RUSSIA.

FURTHER TALKS EXPECTED

LONDON, November 2.

Turkey and Russia expect to resume negotiations shortly, and Rouniaiiia may join in. states a News Agency report from Istanbul. The talks may begin on the return from Bucharest of the Roumanian Ambassador to Ankara, who has been conferring with King Carol,

GERMANS LEAVING TURKEY

LONDON, November 3.

The Istanbul correspondent of the British United Press says Berlin has ordered German nationals to be ready to quit Turkey at the earliest moment. No explanation is given. Many have already left and others are sending on their luggage in advance.