TO AID FINLAND

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 243, 14 October 1939, Page 7

TO AID FINLAND

AMERICAN INFLUENCE ROOSEVELT’S DECISION POSSIBILITIES WEIGHED [By Telegraph —Press Association Copyright) Received Oct. 13. 11.55 p.m. NEW YORK, Oct. 13. The Washington correspondent of the New York Tinies -says the decision to exert United States influence on behalf of Finland was Mr. Roosevelt’s own, reached after weighing the possibilities that this action could be misconstrued by Moscow, the Scandinavians or Congress. It was hoped that Russia would not. construe it as unwarranted, that lhe Scandinavians and other Powers would not believe America was linking her fortunes with other countries, and that Congress would not resent it as undue interference in European poltics. First reactions in Washington showed that the latter fear was baseless. The New York Times, in a leader entitled "We Speak for Finland,” says the United States’ prompt and unusual diplomatic initiative on behalf of Finland reflects the unanimous sentiments of the American people. "We can’t do more for Finland and we could hardly do less,” adds The Times. The Washington correspondent of the United Press Association reports that it is authoritatively stated that the United States is expressing to the Soviet “its earnest hope that nothing will occur calculated to affect injuriously the peaceful relations of the Soviet and Finland.” The action of the United States is unilateral, entirely independent without similar representations by other Powers. The American Ambassador. Mr. Steinhardt, visited the Kremlin to-day and saw M. Molotov. The Governments of Sweden. Denmark and Norway have handed to th*' Soviet Notes along the lines of the United States’ expression. GERMANY'S EFFORTS SEEKING TO INCREASE TENSION IXYOLVING RUSSIA IN WAR. Received Oct. 13, 9.30 p.m. NEW YORK, Oct. 12. The New York Times’ correspondent, Mr. Gedye, in a message from Moscow, says that Russia and Finland have both taken military precautionary measures similar to those other European countries have frequently taken during the last twenty years without clashing, but the Scandinavian countries are satisfied that non-Russian forces in Moscow are seeking to increase the Russian-Scan-dinavian tension and are also spreading premature reports of excessive Russian demands and the hope of creating a situation in which Russia would Jose face by moderating whatever demands may be con tempi atea. The motive of this is to provoke Russian-Scandinavian conflict and bring Russia more actively on Germany’s side against the Western Powers. The new Anglo-Soviet trade agreement has intensified the efforts to provoke a conflict with the Scandinavian countries, which, it is believed to be certain, will involve Russia in war with Britain and France. THE FINNISH ARMY . __ VIRTUALLY AT FULL STRENGTH Received Oct. 14. 1 a.m. LONDON. Oct. 13. The Helsinki correspondent of the British United Press says Tl is authoritatively stated that Finland now has 300,000 men under arms. This is virtually the full strength of the Finnish army, but it is estimated that another 150,000 volunteers could be mobilised if necessary. HELSINKI ALMOST DESERTED Received Oct. 13. 11.40 p.m HELSINKI, Oct. 13. The city was almost deserted overnight. Virtually half the population has departed. Even open cattle trucks were utilised to carry evacuees.