FINNS SEEK AMICABLE SETTLEMENT

Southland Times, Issue 23991, 5 December 1939, Page 7

FINNS SEEK AMICABLE SETTLEMENT

CABINET DETERMINED TO GUARD INDEPENDENCE RUSSIANS SUFFER HEAVY LOSSES NORTH OF LAKE LADOGA (United Press Association—Telegraph Copyright) (Received December 4, 8.40 p.m.) HELSINKI, December 3. The Cabinet decided to attempt to reach an amicable settlement with Russia u in so far as it is possible without violating Finland’s independence and vital interests.” The approach will be made through the Swedish Legation in Moscow. No reply has yet been received. A blinding snowstorm together with the presence o£ a German refugee ship until the evening, was apparently responsible for a day-long absence of bombers from Helsinki. The churches, nevertheless, as a precautionary measure abandoned their services and school children have been given a vacation. Evacuees continue to depart from all towns. An army communique tonight states that the Finns are holding a line on the Karelian Isthmus, running through Vammelsuu, Kivennapa, Rautu and Metsapirtti, to which they strategically retired after the first onslaught. The Russians occupied the unfortified islands of Seiskari and Lavacaari and unsuccessfully attacked Hogland and Russaro, a port outside Hanko. Russia has lost 21 aeroplanes. The communique adds that the fronts are quiet today, except north of Lake Ladoga, where fighting is very active, the enemy suffering heavy losses in attempting to cross frozen lakes, where they were easily seen and where the ice was thin and frequently broke. The newspaper Sanomat says that about a thousand Russians were killed at Terjoki when land-mines exploded. The Finns filled up trapped tanks with inflammable material and set them on fire. Six Finnish divisions continue to hold Petsamo. The Russians unsuccessfully tried to land troops in the Petsamo Fiord from ships.