SOVIET EXULTATION

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21043, 20 February 1940, Page 5

SOVIET EXULTATION

WARNING BY GERMANY BREACH OF NEUTRALITY (United J’re>s Assn.—Eier. Tel. Copyright) LONDON. Feb. 18 The main Finnish defences remain intact, although Russia is exulting over her reported successes and is claiming that Finnish key positions are crumbling under the weight of opposing men and metal. A Finnish communique says: “The Russians’ pressure on the Karelian Isthmus is weaker. Our aeroplanes scattered and drove back enemy bombing formations and bombed enemy columns at their assembly points and shot down 24 machines.” Germany has officially informed Sweden and Norway that she regards as a breach of neutrality any aid they give to Finland. Finnish relief troops have taken over the Summa Corridor and are ready for any sudden challenge. Russian Offensive A Russian communique says: “Our offensive on the Karelian Isthmus has been developed successfully. The enemy continue to retreat. Russian troops have reached the sea coast be tween Viipun and Bjorko and are occupying Somee station, six miles south of Viipuri, the St. Johannes and the Marksalahti stations. They captured 313 strong posts on Saturday and Sunday. “Our forces have occupied the fortified area ol' Muola. in the centre of the Mannerheim Line, and have reached the Salmenkaila River, which is five miles north ol Kyyrola. In the week ended February 18 we captured 475 fortifications, including 92 ferro-concrete artillery forts, anci brought down 21 enemy aeroplanes. The Garibaldean Legion 10.000 Frenchmen and Italians will shortly go to Finland, under Camillo Marabini, president of the Garibaldians. who fought at Argune in the last war.