FORTY TO ONE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20185, 1 March 1940, Page 5

FORTY TO ONE

FINNS FACE ODDS FREEDOM CAUSE NEED OF ASSISTANCE MEN AND ARMAMENTS MORE RUSSIAN CLAIMS CAPTURE OF VILLAGES (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wiroiess.) Reed. 11.15 a.m. RUGBY, Feb. 29. Increasing attention is being paid in the press to the position of the fighting on the Mannerlieim Line, where the Finns are opposed by 40 to one odds. The Daily Telegraph says that for friends of freedom all over the world the urgent question is whether the men and armaments required to strengthen the Finnish lines will arrive in time. The newspaper recalls that the estimated number of volunteers Sweden could furnish would not exceed 10,000, and notes that its own correspondent in Finland puts the number required by Finland at a minimum of 30,000. “Volunteers,” it adds, “are on their way from this country and from others, but many more are needed and at once. Debt For Example “Finland has done all that heroism could do to save herself by her own exertions. Every free nation owes her a debt for her example and her exposure of the menace of tyranny. There should be no delay in payment. Time and the change of war are unforgiving.” A Russian communique claims that the Soviet troops to-day captured six villages, including Alasomme, less than four miles from Wiipuri. It is estimated that the Russian forces confronting Wiipuri number 175,000. The Russian communique adds that the Soviet troops repulsed counterattacks and captured 42 fortifications.