SOVIET PRESSURE MAINTAINED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21574, 9 February 1940, Page 7

SOVIET PRESSURE MAINTAINED

Assault on Mannerheim Line

Little Ground Gained

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received February 8, 10.20 p.m.) HENSINKI, February 8.

The Russians maintain their pressure on a 15 mile sector of the Mannerheim line but only gained 1J miles opposite Summa. The Finns killed or captured 71 parachutists, including female spies.

that the Russians claim to have dented the Mannerheim Line opposite Summa, bringing them within 25 miles of Wiipuri. Finnish headquarters unofficially state that the Russians have lost since the outbreak of the war 564 tanks, 408 aeroplanes, 203 guns, 294 machineguns, 552 lorries, motor-cars and other material. According to earlier messages a Finnish communique announces the repulse of the Russian attack on Summa, in the middle of the Mannerheim Line, in spite of the employment of 100 armoured cars, and the destruction of onslaughts on Pitkaranta with the loss of several hundreds.

The Finns report Russian attacks in several places, notably the Summa sector, where the enemy suffered losses. Twenty Russian tanks were destroyed. Further north, on the eastern frontier, the Finns claim to have scattered a Russian ski battalion. Russian air attacks were less severe yesterday. Places in the north were bombed, but there was little damage, and only one person was killed. Russian aeroplanes on the previous day bombed Kajano and Kasku, killing two persons and injuring several. The Russians also dropped parachutists in Northern Finland. Fifty parachutists are reported to have been killed after a sharp engagement. Germany Will Not Intervene A Russian communique cites patrol activity, minor artillery duels, infantry SKumishes, and aeroplane reconnaissances. A report from Berlin states that the Wilhelmstrasse, after receiving reports from tne German Ambassador to Russia (Count von Schulenburg) and the German Minister to Finland (Dr von Bluecher), has decided that there is no basis for intervention in the Russi n-Finnish contact. It added that even the suggestion to negotiate made by the President of Finland (M. Kalljo) was unacceptable. Germany would keep aloof, although Russia was her special friend.

URGENT BRITISH HELP British Official Wireless RUGBY, February 7. The Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs (Mr R. A. Butler) asked in the House of Commons to consider the possibility of sending bombers and fighters with crews to aid Finland in her fight for civilisation, said: “As has already been stated, measures have been taken to assist Finland with war material, including aircraft. I understand that crews are readily available in Finland competent to fly any aircraft obtained by Finland.” Sir Alfred Knox asked if every step was being taken to aid Finland quickly in her fight for the whole of civilisation.

Mr Butler replied: “Yes. The urgency of the matter is very much in the mind of the Government.” England has not allowed Finland’s cry to remain unanswered. University students, former officers, public schoolboys and even housewives are enrolling at the recruiting office of the Finnish Legation and soon will be going to Finland.