ARMS FOR FINNS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 72, 22 February 1940, Page 7

ARMS FOR FINNS

GREAT BRITAIN’S HELP. ’PLANES. AND GUNS. THOUSANDS OE MINES. (United Press Association—By ElectricTelegraph.—Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) Received February 22, 11.30 a.m. RUGBY, Feb. 21. Considerable interest and enthusiasm have been evoked in London and in tlie country generally by the recent appeal of the Finnish Legation for volunteers. It is known that many persons, particularly those experienced in ski-ing and mountaineering, have come forward and, according to reliable, informed quarters here, the material . assistance which Britain is sending Finland is on an impressive scale. It is stated that nearly lot) aircraft, of which the large majority are fighters, are being despatched, and that roughly one-third have already reached Finland. The large quantities of military equipment and ammunition which are being sent include some lot) anti-tank rifles with ammunition, many thousand anti-tank mines and hand grenades, nearly thirty howitzers, and as many field guns and anti-airendt guns, some hundred machine-guns, with ammunition. a considerable quantity of small arms and ammunition, and a number of tanks, also 6in guns and 3m mortars with appropriate ammunition.

In addition, a considerable quantity of non -lethal military equipment lias been released, including respirators, gas decontamination items, tents, clothing, telephones, etc. A message from Helsinki says the snow for which the Finns have long prayed has arrived, and is spreading over much of the country, although the south is yet fairly clear. It is officially stated in Helsinki that the island of Bjorko, in the v.nlf of Finland, which the Russians yesterday claimed to have captured, likewise Taibela. remain sturdy anchors of the Mannerheim Line.