GERMAN WITHDRAWAL

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 57, 5 September 1944, Page 5

GERMAN WITHDRAWAL

PRECAUTIONARY ACTIONS

LONDON,. September 4. There is no news from Moscow yet about the Finnish statement that fighting ceased on the Russo-Finnish front this morning. Although there have been reports from Stockholm that the Germans are already beginning to withdraw from Finland a German radio report tonight said the German troops in northern Finland had taken over important positions, including bridges, railways, military installations, and depots, to avoid what it called "disagreeable surprises.-' It is not clear whether this means that the Germans intend to stand and fight in Finland, or whether they are merely safeguarding their communications before withdrawing. .Although German comments on Finland's decision to break with Germany criticise her action, this criticism so far has-not been as bitter or abusive as when Italy arid Rumania aid the same thing. Rec. 10 a.m. LONDON, Sept. 4. The first detachment of Rendulic's army has left Finland. Reports front the Swedish frontier, quoted by Reuters Stockholm correspondent, state that a steady stream of motorised vehicles loaded with German troops is moving across the Norwegian -border from north Finland. The German Minister in Finland, yon Bleucher, and the entire Legation, are leaving on Friday, and the Finnish Legation in Berlin has been recalled. •