HAPPIER ERA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20114, 7 December 1939, Page 5

HAPPIER ERA

EARNEST HOPE MESSAGE TO FINLAND AMERICAN GOODWILL TALK OF ASSISTANCE REFUGEES—RED CROSS (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Dec. 7, 10.30 a.m.) NEW YORK, Dec. 0. President Roosevelt, on the occasion of the anniversary of Finnish independence, forwarded a cable message to the President of the Finnish Republic, M. Kallio, as follows: "It is my earnest hope that these tragic days m’ay not be long, giving way to a happier era.” Bt was reported from Washington yesterday that President Roosevelt had proposed that the United States should give Finland practical help ,by setting aside the £46,900 of war debt payment, which Finland has announced that she is making as usual on December 15, in a special fund available to the Finns when needed, possibly to aid refugees or wounded. Approval Needed ‘He said that the plan would need ICongressional approval, which he would ask when the assembly was convened on January 3. In the meantime he had directed the Treasury, which was legally obliged to accept payment, to place the sum in a suspense account pending action by 'Congress. The former President, Mr. Herbert Hoover, is establishing a body to co-ordinate American contributions for the homeless in Finland. fUhe Finnish Relief 'Committee, representing 40 Finnish groups, is launching a campaign for the collection of £200,000 for Red Cross purposes. The non-Finnish “American Committee to aid Finland” is seeking £50,000 for a similar purpose. The Finnish Consulate has granted 400 visas to Finns returning to fight. Many Americans are financing the passages of Finns.