Finland’s Resistance

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21576, 12 February 1940, Page 6

Finland’s Resistance

JT is the opinion of Sir Walter Citrine, the leader of a British Labour delegation which has just returned to England after a visit’ to Finland, that the next few weeks would decide which way the war between the Finns and the Soviet is to go. His view is that the Finns cannot hold out indefinitely without all possible assistance. The campaign so far has been conducted in a way giving substantial advantage to resourceful defenders 'with superior knowledge of the terrain over which the fighting is taking place. In addition the Finns appear to be extremely skilful in winter campaigning, but it will not be long before conditions are such that the force of Soviet numbers will be severely felt. It cannot yet be judged to what extent the external aid already given to Finland has helped the country in withstanding the Russian advance. It is beyond question that aid of some sort has been forthcoming, for Mr Chamberlain announced early in January that a real response had been made to the resolution of the League of Nations in which it was decided to assist the Finnish cause.

Britain and France have sent supplies of aeroplanes to Finland, and it is likely that efforts have been made to meet the critical Finnish need for equipment to counter Soviet mechanisation. The gallantry of the Finns has aroused general sympathy and there is no element of selfishness in the efforts of larger nations to assist in the defence of the country. The desire to aid Finland springs, as an American newspaper has said, “from unselfish admiration for courage and decency.”