The Gisborne Herald. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “THE TIMES.” THURSDAY. JANUARY 4, 1940. THE FINNISH CONFLICT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20136, 4 January 1940, Page 6

The Gisborne Herald. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “THE TIMES.” THURSDAY. JANUARY 4, 1940. THE FINNISH CONFLICT

Reports that the Soviet has been constrained to appeal to Germany for help in the Finnish campaign provide the strongest possible tribute to the tenacity and courage of the Finnish army. Were the situation not so desperately tragic it would be ludicrous. Russia, with its population of nearly 180,000,000, has been boasting for years that it possesses the strongest army and most powerful air force in the world, and yet, after only a few weeks of war, it is crying for help against a nation of fewer than 4,000,000 people. That such a position should arise—-and it seems to be amply confirmed from more than one neutral source—is at once a tribute to the Finns and a commentary on the Russian troops and their organisation. The first point naturally commands most attention. However high were the opinions previously held of the Finnish army there were few, if any, who believed it possible that it could make such a remarkable stand against such overwhelming odds. The Russian invasion had been fully prepared in advance and was launched at a time when it was known that little material assistance could be given to the victim by other Powers. In these circumstances Finnish resistance had been generally

regarded as futile and there could have been little criticism had the Government decided that discretion was the better part of valour and surrendered to seemingly superior forces.

Instead, however, it was proclaimed that Finland would fight to the finish —that it would prefer annihilation to the surrender of freedom and independence. That these were no idle words has been made abundantly plain by the progress of the war. After initial reverses, the Finnish troops have thrown back the invading hordes until now they have recaptured most of the lost territory and even carried the fight on to Russian soil. Whatever handicap they may have suffered by being so seriously outnumbered they have overcome by their superior efficiency and individual fignting power. It may be doubted whether history can provide any finer example of a relatively small force so completely outmanoeuvring and outfighting a numerically stronger enemy, and tire stand which the Finns have made in the present conflict will do more than could anything else to justify their claim to independence, it need not be suggested that the Russion forces are lacking in courage and bravery, but there is ample evidence to support the contention that the eificiency and strategy of the Finns largely outweigh the superior numbers and better equipment of their poorly-organised opponents. Once again the Russian steam-roller has proved too cumbersome to be effective while the Finns have demonstrated how much can be achieved by the superior tactics of a numerically, inferior force.

There is another point that emerges from this conflict and that is the effect of motive in war. The Finns, with right on their side, are fighting for an ideal and for their hard-won independence. They are inspired by motives similar to those which actuated the crusaders of old and it is impossible to believe that they are not emboldened and given added courage by faith in the cause for which they fight. On the other hand, what incentive can the Russians have? Dominated and subjected though they have always been and fed on the propaganda of the Kremlin, they are still human beings with human emotions. It is inconceivable that they should not form their own opinions on the struggle into which they have been forced. For years they have been drilled in the belief that the Soviet was opposed to war and pledged to check aggression. What must they now think when their own Government makes war and launches aggression in its most brutal form against a small and inoffensive neighbour? However much freedom of speech and freedom of thought may be restricted, as it has been in Russia, people can- | not, bo entirely prevented from thinking for themselves, and if the Russian troops now engaged against Finland stop to think they must realise the injustice of their actions. It is possible, therefore, -Hint their heart is not in the fight, whereas the Finns are fighting for everything they hold dear. Nothing that might be .said, however, will dispose of the fact that Finland is still confronted with overwhelming odds. True, she has stemmed the Russian advance and even inflicted definite reverses on the invader, but it is too much to hope that she can maintain her position unless aid is forthcoming. Russia, with the scant regard for human life that the Soviet has always shown, can lose millions of men and still retain an enormous superiority in man-power, and heavy losses in tanks, aeroplanes, and armaments can he made good from her extensive resources. There is a limit, however, to the resources of man-power and material that Fin-

land con provide and if the struggle is protracted, as seems likely, the odds may become too great. Already some assistance has been given to her, and it is reported that its effect is being felt, but it is clearly not enough. Other freedom-loving nations on whose behalf Finland is fighting should respond to the appeal of the League of Nations and give whatever assistance lies within their power. Even our own country, having subscribed to the League action, could, despite its own economic handicaps, make some contribution as a gesture of faith and of approval of Finland’s gallant stand. Somehow or other Finland must be saved for in saving Finland other Powers will be helping to preserve that liberty for which the world is now at war.