FINNISH FIGHTING

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21034, 9 February 1940, Page 5

FINNISH FIGHTING

PRESSURE CONTINUED SLIGHT SOVIET SUCCESS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright; LONDON, Feb. 8 The Russians are maintaining the pressure on a 15-mile sector of the Mannerheim Line, but their only gain was If miles opposite Summa, says a message from Helsinki. A Finnish communique issued in Helsinki says the Finns yesterday

repulsed four violent attacks in the Summa sector. They killed 1500 Russians and destroyed 20 tanks. The Finns also dispersed ski battalions north-east of Lake Ladoga and killed 300 of the enemy.

Messages from Stockholm this morning say the Russians claim to have dented the Mannerheim Line opposite Summa, bringing them within 20 miles of Viipuri. The Finns have killed or captured 71 parachutists, including several female spies. Finnish headquarters unofficially state that the Russians have lost since the outbreak of the war 564 tanks, 303 aeroplanes, 203 field guns, 294 machine-guns and 552 lorries, as well as motor-cars and other material. England has not allowed Finland’s cry to remain unanswered. University students, ex-officers, public school boys and even housewives are enrolling at the recruiting office at the Finnish Legation and will soon go to Finland.