CHIEF OBSTACLE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24832, 2 March 1944, Page 5

CHIEF OBSTACLE

NAZI ARMY IN NORTH DILEMMA FOR FINNS LONDON, Feb. 29 Diplomatic circles, discussing what they call "the exceedingly moderate" armistice terms offered to Finland, speculate how the Finns will overcome the chief obstacle to their acceptance —the presence of General Dietl's army in the north, estimated at between 70,000 and 120,000 men. While it is pointed out that Finland is unlikely to be impressed by German warnings against acceptance of the Russian terms —for Hitler is not believed to be in the position to send fresh German divisions to keep the country at war against its will —it is emphasised that the Finnish Army is unlikely to turn round immediately and attack ita German ally. Neither is it likely to agree that Russian troops should come in to do the job. Consequences of Bombing Correspondents suggest that fear of continued Russian bombing may defeat its object by arousing the proud, stubborn Finns to face a prolonged struggle with the Red Army. Swedish circles still believe there is a chance of Finland extricating herself, providing only that she is able to swallow the two main terms in the Russian demands, which she finds particularly unpalatable, and which have slowed up the negotiations—the clauses regarding demobilisation of the Finnish Army and the internment of all German military personnel.

The Stockholm correspondent of the Daily Telegraph quotes an influential Helsinki source as stating that many Finns hope that the Russians, in a few weeks' time, will have penetrated deeper into the Baltic, thus putting in peril or even cutting, Germany's communications with Finland. DietPs troops would then probably withdraw, and the Finns would not be compelled to intervene against their former allies.

Suspicion of Russians The diplomatic correspondent of the Manchester Guardian says: "In the Finnish press of the Right there is suspicion of Russians rather than criticism of the terms. Perhaps these critics think they are too good to be true. It has also been argued that the demand that the Germans in Finland shall be interned is equivalent to Russian occupation, because the Finns would have to call in the Red Army to carry out 1 such a condition.

"It is probable the Germans are putting strong pressure on the Finnish Government to stay alongside, them in the war. The German threat to continue to fight may strengthen the scepticism expressed by certain Finns about Russia's real intention. So far as is known, there is no time liiftit on acceptance of the armistice terms. The fact that Helsinki is being bombed is a consequence of Finland Being in the war, not an indication that Russia intends to withdraw the peace offer."

INTERESTED RUSSIANS INVASION EXERCISES LONDON, Feb. 29 Two Russian admirals, a general and other members of tlio Soviet military mission to Britain, participated in recent two-day exercises, which were held jointly by United States Army and Navy personnel in an English coastal area, as part of the American preparations for a second front in Europe. The Soviet naval oflicers had their first ride in amphibious ducks. They studied assault weapons of various types and landing-craft. Methods of training were also The Russians were keenly interested in the techninuo of amphibious warfare developed as a result of experience in the Pacific, North Africa, Sicily and Italy.