WAR IN FINLAND

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21033, 8 February 1940, Page 7

WAR IN FINLAND

TROOPS BY PARACHUTE SWEDISH VESSEL SUNK NAZIS AND INTERVENTION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 6 A Finnish communique issued in Helsinki announces the repulse of a Russian attack at Summa, in spite of the employment by the attackers of 100 armoured cars. Onslaughts at Pitkaranta and the coast were also repulsed with the loss of several hundred Russians. The Russians bombed Kajano and Kasku from the air, killing two people and injuring several ethers, besides dropping troops by parachute in North Finland. Fifty parachutists are reported to have been killed after a sharp engagement. A Russian communique refers to patrol activity and minor artillery duels with infantry skirmishes and aeroplane reconnaissances. Russian bombers sank the Swedish ship Wirgo, of 701 tons, near the Aalanci Islands, says a message from Stockholm. The crew fled across the ice and took refuge on an island in the vicinity. The Wilhelmstrasse, after receiving reports from Graf von Schulenburg, German Ambassador to Russia, and Herr von Bluecher, Ambassador to Finland, decided that there is no basis for intervention in the RussoFinnish conflict, adding that even M. Kallio’s suggestion to negotiate peace is not acceptable. Germany will keep aloof, although Russia is her special friend.