MINES LAID

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20952, 3 November 1939, Page 6

MINES LAID

FINLAND PREPARING THE SOVIET DEMANDS INDIGNATION IN SWEDEN (Cnlted Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrlgtol) LONDON, Nov. 2 The Finnish Legation at Copenhagen announced to-day that mines have been laid off the Finnish port of Hanko, which commands the entrance to the Gulf of Finland, and which it is believed the Soviet has demanded for a naval base. The channel between the Finnish islands of Hastos and Buso has been closed. The Prime Minister of Finland stated that Finland was prepared to make a far-reaching settlement with Russia. There was a limit, however, to the compliance of any nation, even a small one. All Finns were told that they must be ready to throw into the scale all they had. Further, Finland must do nothing to endanger her neutrality, or cast doubts on it. Finland, the Prime Minister concluded, could not accept any settlement which prevented her from defending her independence. Finland had not acted under pressure or advice of any Power or State. Indignation of Sweden Typifying the indignation in Sweden at the Soviet demands, the Stockholm newspaper Tidningen says that of course Finland must answer in the negative. An extension of Soviet influence in south-west Finland would mean pressure on the whole of Western Europe. A Finnish “No” will be not only to their interest, but also to the interest of Norway, Sweden and the whole of Western Europe. Discounting M. Molotoff’s statement that the Soviet did not want the Aaland Islands, the Tidningen says: “He cannot drive a wedge between the Scandinavian countries. Not even a great nation like Russia can dictate its wishes if a weaker nation is determined to stand for its own liberty and independence.” The British United Press Oslo correspondent says the Norwegians are unanimous that M. Molotoff was too ambitious. The press declares the demands cannot be reconciled with Finnish independence.