NEW DEMANDS

Grey River Argus, 23 March 1940, Page 7

NEW DEMANDS

BY THE SOVIET On Finland [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received March 22, 7.30 p.m.) STOCKHOLM, March 21. The paper “Tidningens” Moscow correspondent says: “The Soviet has increased its territorial demands on Finland. M. Kremlin informed M. Paasikivi, when the latter arrived to ratify the Peace Treaty on Tuesday, that it was. necessary to extend the Russian frontiers further westward than had originally been planned. The Finns realise they have no alternative but to comply. OBJECTION RAISED To Scandinavian Alliance [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] MOSCOW. March 20. The radio announced that the conclusion of a defensive alliance between Finland. Sweden, and Norway would be directly incompatible with the Russian-Finish treaty, as Norway’s policies were directed against the Soviet. TRIPLE DENIALS. STOCKHOLM. March 20. ■ M. Gunther said: “The Moscow statement is founded on a misconception. The envisaged Scandinavian pact would be purelv defensive.” HELSINKI. March 20. M. Tanner said: “There must be some misunderstanding. The object of the proposed alliance is solely concerned with the neutrality of the countries concerned. Russia has no reason to regard the alliance in the manner the radio indicated.” OSLO, March 20. M. Koht said: “Moscow is wrong in believing that Scandinavian negotiations have begun.” MR. PRITT EXPELLED. LONDON, March 20. The National Executive, by 17 votes to three, expelled Mr, D. N. Pritt, K.C., from membershin of the Labour Party, for opposition to Labour’s policy regarding Russian aggression against Finland.

U.S.A. MATERIAL For Germany GOING THROUGH SOVIET. (Received March' 22, 7 p.m.) RUGBY, March 21. The Minister of Economic Warfare, Rt. Hon. R. Cross, was asked in theHouse of Commons what information he had regarding increased traffic in army oil and other war materials from the United States to Russia, via Vladivostock, and what steps he is taking to ensure that none of this war material is passed on to Germany. Mr Cross replied that he understood that the Soviet purchases of oil in the United States during the year ending March 1, although much above 1938 figures, were not in excess of quantities imported in some pre- ' vious years. There was, however, evidence of large Soviet purchases from the United States of other war materials especially copper, and this question was receiving the constant attention of the British Government. Soviet and Germany NEIGHBOURS BEFORE PACT. (Received March 23, 1 a.m.) RUGBY, March 21.

The adjournment debate of the House of Commons was wound up by the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Mr Butler, who dealt with a number of ponits raised. Referring t.o the publication of the documents describing the negotiations which preceded the signature of the agreement between Germany and Soviet Russia, Mr Butler said that 'he was not in’ a position to add anything to what had been categorically stated by the Prime Minister, which was to the effect that the question had been considered, in company with the French Government, and the Governments had come to the conclusion that they were unable to publish these documents. There was no question of the Government, being afraid to publish them. “There is such a thing as the public interest,” continued Mr Butler, “and, in debating on foreign affairs, as we frequently 7 do, members sometimes underestimate the limitations which must be placed on those in authority, especially at a critical time like this, in making public every single transaction in the foreign sphere.”