MOSCOW TALKS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23939, 14 October 1939, Page 11

MOSCOW TALKS

RUSSIA AND FINLAND PREMATURE REPORTS OBVIOUSLY INSPIRED EFFORT TO INCREASE TENSION (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) NEW YORK, Oct. 12. (Received Oct. 13, at 6.30 p.m.) The New York Times correspondent (Mr C. E. Gedye), in a message from Moscow, says: "Russia and Finland have taken military precautionary measures, similar to those which other European countries have frequently taken during the last 20 years without clashing, but the Scandinavian countries are satisfied that non-Russian forces in Moscow are seeking to increase Russian and Scandinavian tension, and also are spreading premature reports oi excessive Russian demands in the hope of creating a situation in which Russia will lose face by moderating whatever demands mav be contemplated. The motive of this is to provoke a Russian-Scandinavian conflict and bring Russia more actively on Germany's side against the Western Powers. The news of the Anglo-Soviet trade agreement has intensified the efforts to provoke a conflict with the Scandinavian countries, which, it is believed to be certain, will involve Russia in a war with Britain and France." POSSIBLE RUSSIAN DEMANDS CONTROL OF ISLANDS HELSINGFORS, Oct. 12. Quarters in close contact with the Government are inclined to believe that the Russian demands will be confined to the three islands commanding the approaches to Kronstadt and Leningrad, which might be regarded favourably if the compensation is adequate. The Government is determined flatly to reject anything in the nature of an ultimatum. In the meantime, emergency preparations continue. The gulf ports of Helsingfors, Hango, Viburg, Burga, and Kotka are reported to have been closed to Finnish shipping. More reservists have been called up, and virtual mobilisation completed. Troops are stationed at strategic points on the frontiers. Air-raid shelters are being dug. Squadrons of Soviet planes are reconnoitring the Finnish coast, and the Red army troops continue to assemble on the frontiers. M. Erkko, in a statement, said no demands had yet been submitted. " We have been asked to exchange views," he said. " There was no reason to reject the request.",.. .... .... ACTION BY AMERICA A MESSAGE TO MOSCOW NEW YORK, Oct. 12. The Washington correspondent of the United Press reports that it is authoritatively stated that the United States is expressing to the Soviet " its earnest hope that nothing will occur that is calculated to affect injuriously the peaceful relations of the Soviet and Finland." The action of the United States is unilateral, and is entirely independent and without similar representations from other Powers. The American Ambassador (Mr Steinhardt) visited the Kremlin today and saw M. Molotov. AMERICAN PRESS COMMENT "WE SPEAK FOR FINLAND" NEW YORK, Oct. 12. (Received Oct. 13, at 9.25 p.m.) The New York Times, in a leader entitled "We Speak for Finland," says: "The United States's prompt and unusual diplomatic initiative on behalf of Finland reflects the unanimous sentiments of the American people. We cannot do more for Finland; we could hardly do less." The Washington correspondent of the New York Times says the decision to exert United States influence on behalf of Finland was President Roosevelt's own, and was reached after weighing the possibilities that the action could be misconstrued by Moscow, the Scandinavians or the Congress. It was hoped that Russia would not construe it as unwarranted, that the Scandinavians and other Powers would not believe that America was linking her fortunes with other countries, and that the Congress would not resent it as undue interference in European politics. MINISTERS IN MOSCOW SEPARATE NOTES TO SOVIET COPENHAGEN, Oct. 13. (Received Oct. 14, at 0.15 a.m.) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Ministers in Moscow separately sent Notes to the Soviet Government urging respect for Finland's independence. BASIS OF SOVIET'S DEMANDS CESSION OF SMALL ISLAND PARIS, Oct. 13. (Received Oct. 13, at 11.30 p.m.) The official radio reports that the Russian and Finnish talks last night lasted an hour. It is understood that the Soviet demands are at present not fully stated, but the basis apparently is cession to the Soviet of a small island at the entrance of the Gulf of Finland and territory in the Karelian Forest.

HELSINKI ALMOST DESERTED

HELSINKI, Oct. 13. (Received Oct. 14, at 0.30 a.m.) The city is almost deserted. During the night virtually half the population departed, even open cattle trucks being utilised to carry those who wished to evacuate.