FINLAND NEEDS ’PLANES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21558, 22 January 1940, Page 11

FINLAND NEEDS ’PLANES

American Sympathy United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received January 21, 6.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, January 20. The North American Newspaper Alliance says the immediate solution of Finland's need, fighting planes, is seen by aeronautical experts. In fact, United States production is approaching the point where military planes far exceed pilots. It is pointed out that at present it is safe and desirable to release large numbers of current models to the Allies who could tranship them to Finland. It is known that the Firms are pressing London to send Lockheed bombers and Curtis fighters. The British decision is expected shortly. Although pilot training in the United States will be adequate within a year, it is not at present meeting equipment totals. Owing to the high requirements of the personnel it is estimated that only 20 per cent, of those enrolling will graduate. On the other hand 45 factories are operating two shifts daily and are capable immediately of using three. Because of the speed of production combined with the fact that the industry is well ahead with military orders, it is believed that Congress will not make large appropriations in an effort to obviate a too rapid expansion. Meanwhile the Allies are reported to be highly pleased with the planes already delivered and have placed further orders for hundreds of planes, notably Douglas, Martin, Lockheed bombers, North American trainers and Curtis fighters. Under a recent ruling the newest models also are available and many are included in the orders for 8000 just announced. It is conservatively estimated that the current annual capacity is 16,000 planes and 18.000 engines. If the factory space immediately available is utilised these figures can be stepped up to 23,000 to 35,000 planes and at least 25,000 engines, the latter of the 1000 horsepower class. United States newspapers give further prominence to expressions of sympathy for the Finns. Discussing the suggested loan, the New York “Herald Tribune” states that America’s relations with Finland were sufficient to warrant the United States taking some risks. The article continued that the successful Finnish resistance

militated against a Russo-Japanese combination by reducing Russian prestige. Mr Herbert Hoover, a former President, announced that 20 industrialists were pledged to raise a second million dollars for Finnish relief. In a speech at Philadelphia, which is interpreted as a clear invitation for Governmental backing of Finland, the Finnish Minister, M. Procope, declared that the urgent need was air assistance beyond the generosity and charity of individuals. He added that Finland’s fate was largely in the hands of the American nation. The Finns were suffering without holding the bridge between democracy and Communism. Although food relief was required the greatest need was aeroplanes, munitions, arms and the money to buy