Clearer Signs of Early Settlement

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 55, 8 March 1944, Page 5

Clearer Signs of Early Settlement

(By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) Received Wednesday, 12.30 a.m. LONDON, March 7. “The peace machinery is in movement among higher officials,” reports the Helsinki correspondent of the Stockholm Dagens Nyheter. “One feels that the present phase can end at any moment and we can soon obtain the clear possibility of peace.” The British United Press’s Stockholm correspondent says the Finnish Parliament will meet today. Observers in Stockholm believe moves may be made towards settling the Russo-Finnish crisis. Members of Parliament have been visiting their electorates during the weekend and returned to Helsinki knowing just how the people feel. The New York Times’ Stockholm correspondent learns from a reliable Helsinki source that the Finnish Parliament by 112 votes to 80 approved of the Government’s action to negotiate with Russia. The majority included Mr. Tanner and all the Social Democrats. Most of the Conservatives opposed it. Counter proposals to the Russian terms are being submitted by Finlaid. says the German-controlled Helsinki Folketsdzgbladet. According to the Daily Mail’s Stockholm correspondent the counter-pro-posals are: Firstly, that Finland obtain the status of a neutral country; secondly, that the German troops be evacuated to Germany via Sweden; thirdly, no reparations; fourthly, the present front line be maintained as tho frontier, fifthly, Russian agreement to a SwedishFinnish defence alliance. The corre spondent adds that the Finnish Government on Monday was reported to have discussed the terms. The newspapers show increasing pessimism about Finland’s chances of getting out of the war.