The Waikato Times. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1940 FINLAND'S SUPREME TEST

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21040, 16 February 1940, Page 4

The Waikato Times. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1940 FINLAND'S SUPREME TEST

Finland is apparently approaching the crisis of the war with Russia. The Red Army has been pounding the Finnish lines mercilessly for many days, and now it is reported that great Russian reinforcements are being prepared in an attempt to crush the wearied defenders by “steam-roller” tactics. Can Finland withstand the shock that is to come ? If it can, it will perform a feat unprecedented in military history. Without precise knowledge of the extent of the help being given the Finns, it appears to be impossible that this tiny nation can much longer hold out the millions of the Soviet Army. It is rumoured that Britain and France will send substantial aid to the Finns if danger of collapse is seen, but the fact remains that it is most difficult to transport large numbers of men to Finland. Foreign aid has been trickling into Finland since the war began. It is reported that 700 aeroplanes from abroad are now engaged in the defence, but it is almost impossible to gain complete information in such a confused situation and through many censorships. All of Scandinavia is vitally concerned with the progress of the war, and if Russia succeeds in smashing the Finnish defences the situation may become very serious in all northern Europe. Already Russia is stated to be again bringing pressure to bear on Latvia for further concessions, especially of sea, air and military bases, and representatives of Latvia have gone to Moscow to learn their country’s fate. All the Scandinavian countries must see the writing on the wall, and the question is whether they will be prepared to stand by and see Russia completely over-run Finland. Germany is alleged to be assisting Russia in what it hopes will be a decisive drive against the Finns. Large numbers of German troops are reported to be destined to guard the Russian oil fields in the Caucasus, thus liberating Russian troops to fight the Finns. This information has been received by the Turkish intelligence service. Another agency reports increased military activity in Czechoslovakia, where a further rising of the Czechs is feared. Developments in all the countries south of Russia may have a profound influence on the war against the Finns. It is doubtful if Germany will be able or willing to relieve Russia of the necessity of maintaining large armies in the south. In the meantime Finland is holding its lines almost intact, with minor incursions both ways. It has for several months been possible to repulse all attacks of short duration, in which a very large proportion of the Finnish Army must have been actively engaged. But When Russia continues the assault for weeks, Finland will feel the need for reserves of strength which she may not possess unless her neighbours come quickly to her assistance. Russia has been pouring hundreds of thousands of shells a day into the Finnish lines for many days and one of the fiercest battles in history has been raging along a 12-miles front for several days. Finland’s great trial seems to be near at hand.