FINNS ARRIVE IN MOSCOW

Southland Times, Issue 23947, 13 October 1939, Page 7

FINNS ARRIVE IN MOSCOW

STRONG BACKING BY SWEDEN POSSIBLE DEMANDS BY SOVIET (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received October 12, 10.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, October 12. It is politically significant that the only persons other than Soviet ana Finnish officials to receive the Finnisn delegation tonight were the Swedish Minister and his entire staff, says Mr G. E. R. Gedye, Moscow, correspondent of The New York Times. The negotiations with Finland are of a very different character from those with the other Baltic States. The latter were not only helpless, but there was certain moral justification, as Russia was without an ice-free port on the Baltic. Finland in spite of having a population of only 3,500,000, has a welltrained army. It also has a largely marshy frontier which is unsuitable for rapid military operations. Furthermore it is assured of strong backing from Sweden, which is capable of putting 550,000 men in the field. However, it should not be suggested that the Finns are, coming in a truculent spirit. Although the Finns resolutely refused to admit it, if proper compensation was offered they might eventually consider the proposal to cede, or permit the Soviet to fortify, Hough Island and three other small islands, far from the Finnish coast but dominating Kronstadt, geographically a part of Russia rather than Finland. Other demands possibly contemplated are for bases on the Finnish mainland or the cession of the northern corridor at Petsamo, which would certainly meet with the stoutest opposition. Any demands affecting the Aaland Islands could not be tolerated by Sweden, which might well decide' in such an event to occupy the islands herself. The Finns hope the demands will be mainly commercial, to which they will most readily listen. Alarmed by Russia’s strides towards domination of the Baltic, the Scandinavian Powers are urging Britain and France to stop the war, r ys the Stockholm correspondent of the Associated Press of America. The evacuation of Finnish cities continues. The “protection corps” now numbers 100,000 but it is emphasized that this does not constitute mobilization. The Finnish Foreign Minister (M. Paasikivi) has no authority to conclude an agreement with Moscow, the decision rests with Parliament.

FEDERATION’S WARNING TO UNITED STATES (United Press Association) WASHINGTON, October 11. The American Federation of Labour Convention passed a resolution which urged that the United States remain completely neutral, and issued a warning against “premature offers of mediation.” RUSSIAN CONFIRMATION OF TROOP MOVEMENTS MOSCOW, October 11. The Russian radio confirms that detachments of infantry and mountaineer regiments are reinforcing the Red Army forces in the Caucasus mountains. They are reported to be taking up positions on the frontiers of Iran and Turkey.