CHECK TO INVADERS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20112, 5 December 1939, Page 5

CHECK TO INVADERS

SKI SOLDIERS ON DEFENSIVE SOVIET LOSSES IN LAKE ZONE SERIOUS TOLL TAKEN BY LAND MINES MOSCOW VICTORY ORDER TO RED ARMY FRENCH DESCRIBE GAINS AS SMALL (Elec. Tel. Copyright.—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Dec. 5, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 4. Reports from' Helsinki state that the military situation is unchanged. Stockholm reports that violent snowstorms are raging throughout Finland. Picked companies of ski soldiers aic preparing to engage •the Russians. The Finnish High Command has ordered the troops to attack only for the purpose of regaining positions; otherwise they are to remain strictly on the defensive. All air activity has been reduced to a minimum. The Finnish Cabinet, headed by Dr. Risto Ryti, decided yesterday to attempt an amicable settlement with . Russia insofar as it was possible “without violating Finland s independence and vital interests.” The approach was made through the Swedish Legation in Moscow. No reply has yet been received from Russia. Contrary to'earlier reports the Government of Finland is still at Helsinki. The Press Association understands that the Soviet delegate, AT. Maisky, is not going to Geneva for the League Council meeting to which Finland intends to appeal on Saturday next. Church Services Abandoned A blinding snowstorm, plus the presence of a German refugee ship until the evening, apparently was responsible for the absence of Soviet bombers from Helsinki on Sunday. The churches, nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, abandoned their services and school children were given a vacation. Evacuees continued to depart from all towns. A Finnish Army communique issued on Sunday night stated that the Finns were holding their line along the Karelian isthmus, at Vammelsuu, Kivennapa, Rautu and Metsapirtti, to which they strategically retired after the first onslaught../ The Russians had occupied the unfortified islands of Seiskaari and Lavacaar but unsuccessfully attacked Hogland and Russaro, z port outside Hanko. The communique added that the fronts were quiet except north of Lake Ladoga, where lighting was very active. The Russians were suffering heavy losses in attempting to cross the frozen lakes. The invaders were easily seen and where the ice was thin it frequently broke. The Finnish newspaper Sanomat says that about 1000 Russians were killed at Terjold when land mines exploded. The Finns are filling up trapped tanks with inflammable material and setting them 1 on lire. Bids For Petsamo Fail Six Finnish divisions continue to hold Petsamo. The Russians unsuccessfully tried to land troops at a Petsamo fiord from ships.

The Helsinki correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says that Moscow’s Bed Army has been ordered to secure victory by December 21, M. Stalin’s sixtieth birthday. A report from Stockholm says that the Russians claim to have made advances from Uhtnaeg which is on the same latitude as Uleaborg, representing an effort to cut Finland’s -“waistline.” A Red Army communique issued in Moscow claims that advances have been made on all fronts. “AVe occupied the islands of Hogland, Seiskaari and Lavansaari,” the communique adds. The Soviet journal Pravda admits that the Finns are resisting more strongly and pays a tribute to the effectiveness of the mines and sniper posts concealed before the initial retreat.

French military circles express the opinion' that the Russian advances are small, namely, 12 miles on the Karelian isthmus, and just over three miles north of Lake Ladoga.