FINNS CONCLUDE DEFENCE PACT WITH RUSSIA

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 April 1948, Page 5

FINNS CONCLUDE DEFENCE PACT WITH RUSSIA

(Rec. 11.30 a.m.) HELSINKI, April 6. • A Finnish spokesman said the So-viet-Finnish treaty provided:— 1. Finnish troops will be used only for the defence of Finnish territory and waters. 2. Finland and Russia shall decide by negotiation if and when threats of aggression from foreign Powers exist. The spokesman said the Russians had made several concessions during the negotiations. The pact was concluded entirely in accordance with the instructions which the Finnish Government gave its delegates. The Finnish Parliament will probably be summoned at the end of this week to examine the treaty, which is not binding until ratified. The spokesman recalled that the Russians had first suggested a pact based on the Russian treaty with Hungary, but the Finns turned it down.

According to a Stockohlm message the Foreign Minister, Mr Unclen, said that in the event of a third'world war Sweden would choose the course of “armed neutrality.” Other provisions of the treaty are: 1. The treaty is for 10 years, with provision for renewal. 2. No provision is made for Soviet bases in Finland. 3. In the event of Finland being exposed to aggression or the Soviet Union being exposed to aggression through Finland, Finland will resist aggression, if necessary with the Soviet*' Union’s aid.

4. Both parties pledge themselves to respect the sovereignty of their respective countries and also not to interfere with each other’s internal affairs.