FINNISH PEOPLE

Grey River Argus, 15 March 1940, Page 7

FINNISH PEOPLE

Relief at Peace DEJECTED OVER TERMS [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn] HELSINKI, March 13. Mingled joy, dejection andl bitterness marked the Finnish People s re action to the termination of the war —iov over the cessation of th struggle, dejection at the humiliating terms imposed on a small country fighting for its independence, and bitterness because the rinns be that the surrender was partly du_ to the vacillation and selfishness of the more powerful democracies. Helsinki’s delayed revelation, that peace had been signed and an armistice arranged, astounded the Finnish troops in the front lines. For months they had fought themselves to a standstill, and the “cease fire” order meant for thousands an opportunity to sleep, which the struggle against overwhelming forces had long demed them; but the majority of Finland’s warriors reacted sullenly to the news that their sacrifices had been without result.

The flag on all public buildings was flown at half-mast immediately M Tanner revealed that, the pact had been signed. There were no celebrations or scenes of joy.

Groups of people stood in the streets this morning, eagerly discussing the spate of rumours. They were obliged to depend on foreign broadcasts for the news that their country had surrendered. The public were even unaware that Parliament was meeting and, when the High Com mand ordered the soldiers to lay down their arms at 11 a.m., it told the civilians nothing. The Finnish radio strangely omitted the usual news bulletin, and gave the people music. The Government has issued a proclamation, emphasising that complete unity is essential for successful reconstruction. “Peace has been concluded to prevent greater misfortune. We are able, through the efforts of out heroic army and the entire nation, and the blood sacrifice of Finnish youth, to preserve our dearest possessions—liberty and national honour.”

Troop withdrawals will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday. RELIEF FOR FINLAND. LONDON, March 13. Many countries are turning their thoughts to the problems of the reconstruction of the devastated Finnish towns and countryside, and also the probable transplanation and rehabilitation of the four hundred thousand Finns who are domiciled in the territory that has to be ceded to Russia. Many of these are in dire need. The Hoover Committee of America has cabled an offer of help to President Kallio. The Swedish Parliament is discussing methods of assisting Finland to “regain her feet.” FINLAND LOOKS TO U.S.A. WASHINGTON March 13. . President Kallio, of Finland, cabled to Mr. Hoover, stating that he hoped the relief effort would continue, whereon Mr. Hoover stated: “The fund must continue to meet civilian emergencies.”

Roosevelfs Tribute TO THE FINNS. WASHINGTON, March 13. Mr. Roosevelt issued a statement, repeating his statement of December 1, and adding: “The Finns, by their unexcelled valour and strong resistance in the face of overwhelming armed forces, have won the moral right to live in everlasting peace and independence in the land they have so bravely defended. The people and Government of Finland have again increased the respect and warm regard in which they are held by the United States, even though it is clear that, by virtue of an attack by a neighbour many times stronger, they have been compelled to yield territory, and to accept a material weakening of their own future defence of their independence. The ending of this war does not yet clarify the small nations’ inherent right to the maintenance of their integrity against a superior force’s attack.”