Sweden, Britain, U.S. Appeal To Finns

Northern Advocate, 17 March 1944, Page 3

Sweden, Britain, U.S. Appeal To Finns

(Received 12.10 p.m.) LONDON, March 16.

King Gustay has sent a message to Mannerheim expressing anxiety regarding the future of Finland affirming his own complete approval of the Swedish Government’s view that Finland should accept the modified Russian conditions as a basis for negotiations.

The United States joined Britain and Sweden in an appeal to the Finns to get out of the war, President Roosevelt stated in Washington today. “It always seemed odd to me and the people of the United States to find Finland a partner of Nazi Germany, fighting side by side with the sworn enemies of our civilisation. The Finnish people now have a chance to withdraw from this hateful partnership. The longer they stay on Germany’s side the more sorrow and suffering are bound to come to them, t think X can speak for all Americans when I say wc sincerely hope that Finland will now take the opportunity to dissociate herself from Germany.” The Office of War Information radio is transmitting Mr Roosevelt’s statement directly to the Finnish people all day, also to Sweden. Norway and Denmark.

Final Warnings

The 8.8. C. Finnish service last night broadcast a final warning to the Finnish people to accept Russian terms. “Rejection means national disaster, acceptance survival as an independent sovereign State.” Informed circles in London believe that Finland may accept what is regarded as Russia's final offer of peace terms’; says a correspondent of the New York "Her-ald-Tribune. Diplomatic quarters note opposition to the terms in the Finnish Parliament but agree that all evidence available points to the fact that the die-hard group is weakening and that the peace faction, aided by the stimulus of heavy pressure from abroad, lias the internal fight under control. Prospects Thought Dim Latest Stockholm reports of the trend of opinion in Finland do not warrant an optimistic view of -a prospect of an early armistice. The Finnish Diet is reported to have endorsed by a large majority the Government’s view that, the Soviet terms are unacceptable as a basis lor negotiations. In spite of this cold douche, however. Stockholm observers who should know what the possibilities are. do not yet exclude the prospect that the country may lake a different view while there is still time.