Finland Powerless In Hug Of Russian Bear

Chronicle (Levin), 23 January 1948, Page 5

Finland Powerless In Hug Of Russian Bear

LOXDOX, Jan. 22. Finland appears likely to be compelled in the near future to join liussiu 's extensive syslein of (lefensm militarv alliances with her satellites and neighbours, aceurditig to the Dail.v Tnlegraph 's llclsiiiki correspondent '

wno quotes reJialile political sources in ^ ilelsinki as saying that .Moscow has already dictated ihe terms of a jiroposed agreement to ihe Finnish Coin.■nunist leaders "gnd has stated that > there is no intention of tolerating opposition from other parties or from Parliament and the Government. '' Bussiu's demands are said to include ihe establishnxent of a Red Anny inission in Finland, tlie standardisation ; I •>(' equipment between both arniies and . an amplification of the agreement for repairs to liussian warsliips in Fiuiiish vards. Finland 's Communist Minister. of Interior, Mr. Leino, who recently visil.od Moscow, has publicly declared that :l del'ensive and cultural alliaiice witii Pussia should be concluded and "the ■ooner the better." That tlie vast niajority of Finnish people will bitterly reseut and opjiose s sueh a pact, means nothing, tlie corres pondent says. In hei present position Finland is powerless.