FINLAND'S RESISTANCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23594, 1 March 1940, Page 6

FINLAND'S RESISTANCE

Two divergent threads of information are clearly traceable in the recent news about Finland. It is apparent, on the one hand, that in the south, on a narrow front in the coastal area contiguous to Russia, the Finnish resistance is in grave peril of being worn down under heavy pressure ; the mere weight of numbers is proving difficult to withstand. Unless the ominous portents are falsified in a way not now to be reasonably forecast, the defending front along the Mannerheim Line will be turned on the flank, if not broken elsewhere. In that event, the Russian onslaught will certainly gain in momentum and scope for a strategic thrust, which the command of the Red Army can be expected to use in a succession of tactical engagements. The battle for possession of Viipuri would .then extend in probably several directions, taxing Finnish resources of manoeuvre to the utmost. They might still be equal to the strain and come back in characteristically rapid recoils, but flesh .and blood have limits of endurance, no matter how deeply indwelt by national ardour. The question seems to be—Can they receive adequate reinforcement? At this point the other thread of information becomes greatly important. They are now getting reinforcements, in men as well as armament; details of this development are accumulating. Rut can its aid arrive, in sufficient quantity, fast enough to turn the oncoming tide? Time alone can toll whether the race between these accessions and the Russian organisation of fresh attack is to be won or lost. If it is lost, Finnish successes in the north-east may avail little ; if it is won, there is yet hope for as brave a resistance as military annals can record.