RETREAT OF FINNS
FALL OF VIIPURI EXPECTED ADVANCE OF RUSSIANS CONSOLIDATION OF GAINS (United Press As<=n.—elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received March 1, 3.15 p.m.) HELSINKI, Feb. 29 The Finns, facing continuous highpressure onslaughts on the Isthmus and in the Arctic, retreated on both fronts. A communique, the gravest since the outbreak of the hostilities, admits withdrawals from Viipuri Bay as far east as Lake Vuok. The Russians claim that they crossed the strategically important Salmenkaita river, just west of Lake Vuok, and consolidated their advance on Viipuri. The attacks on Taibels failed, but the mid-isthmus thrust suggests an attempt to encircle Taibela, which hitherto has been a strong deterrent to the westward advance. Finnish guns raked the ice on Viipuri Bay throughout the day, preventing the Russians from crossing to outflank Viipuri, also protecting the Finns who are planting mines under the ice. But the most optimistic defenders do not expect that Viipuri will be much longer in Finnish hands. Also the Finns retired from Nautsi. on the Paats river, where the Russians are attempting a drive down the Arctic highway to Rovaniemi.
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Bibliographic details
Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21051, 1 March 1940, Page 8
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182RETREAT OF FINNS Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21051, 1 March 1940, Page 8
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