New Victory Acclaimed

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 10 January 1940, Page 5

New Victory Acclaimed

MILITARY EXPERTS COMMEND FINNS SITUATION ALONG WHOLE FRONT EASED IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS IN MATTER OF ASSISTANCE {British Official Wirelessl (Received 10th January, 9.30 a.m.) RUGBY, 9th January. Military experts offer warm congratulations to the Finns on their brilliant victory in the Suomussalmi area where a Russian Division, which was moving to support the 163rd Russian division, was surrounded and destroyed. It is noted that the Finns employed the same tactics as in the former victory, surrounding the enemy from all sides and only closing in after hunger and cold had done their work. The opinion is confidently expressed that the Russian threat toward the head of the Gulf of Bothnia has now completely collapsed and that it will not be possible to renew the threat for some considerable time. Meanwhile, the significance of the work of small Finnish patrols which continue to blow up stretches of the Murmansk railway, rendering the task of reassembling large Russian forces very difficult, is fully recognised. In the estimation of those well qualified to form an opinion the situation along the whole front is better than at any time since the commencement of hostilities. The urgent need of immediate assistance for Finland is not, however, overlooked and in this connection several important developments are noted in the Press. Reports indicate that 70 Danish and several thousand Swedish volunteers have arrived in Finland. In Britain emphasis is being laid on the need for supplies of all kinds at the earliest possible moment. The Argentine Government has placed 50,000 tons of wheat at the disposal of Finland to be paid for when convenient and without interest, and much importance is attached in the Press to the announcement that the United States Government has informed the League that it is ready to give assistance to Finland. AMERICA’S PRACTICAL EXPRESSION OF SYMPATHY The “News Chronicle” remarks that the fact that neither Russia nor Finland has declared war makes the United States’ position easier as an official war might make it necessary to bring the provisions of neutrality into operation. “As it is, nothing prevents America from giving practical expression to her sympathy for the Finns. The League has been informed that American organisations are consulting directly with Finland regarding material and humanitarian assistance. Medical, financial and other aid has already been sent and to-day it is reported that a number of United States volunteers have arrived in Stockholm. The “Daily Telegraph” says that the United States’ action in association with the League, whether or not it clarifies the minds of the leaders of Hitlerism, will strengthen the hands of neutrals.

ADVANCE OF BOLSHEVISM DETESTED The newspaper recalls the outspoken declaration at the week-end that “Holland’s integrity could not be a matter for negotiation and that any attack on her territory would meet with the most stubborn opposition of her armed forces. The Scandinavian powers are no more inclined to accept the Nazi principle than the Nordic countries to belong to the Lebensraum of the Soviet and Germany. Sharp answers are given by the Norwegian Press. The Danes retort that they detest the advance of Bolshevism westward as much as Hitler and Germany did until last August, and in Sweden, where the Parliament met yesterday, runs high.” The endeavour to drive the northern neutrals out of and to frighten the Scandinavian countries into Fu° as^ lstance °f the Finns has failed and brought the threatened states into closer association to resist aggression. 6 „ a The “Daily Telegraph” adds that, “Of no less signifiance are the demonstrations in the south and south-east of pe ' There, also, the menace of Hitlerism and Bolsheer togeth°er S ” ng Splnt ° f neutrals and bringing them closer n T J?, e J e , ad l n f article conclud es: “There is no other safety tor neutrals but common action against aggression Union in resistance will preserve for each its national rights.”

APPEAL FOR FOREIGN CREDIT (Received 10th January, 10.45 a.m.) * LONDON, 9th Januarv. M R v t™ S "T f He f lSinki State f- that the Prime Minister, M. Kyti, appealing for foreign credit, said: “We are a neaceloving nation and hitherto we have paid little attention to from"™ 5 indUStry ’ bUt n ° W We ™ St obtai "l£ons „ frequently high prices received for our exports are SSST t 0 prtmde ~ y part of the expenditure. P Our national income i S rapidly sinking, and we have reached a stage at which foreign credit is essential.” g