DEEP SYMPATHY

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 267, 4 December 1939, Page 3

DEEP SYMPATHY

BRITISH FEELING VICTIM OF AGGRESSION GERA I ANY IS SILENCE PUBLIC NOT UNFORMED PROFOUND AUSGJ.VING RUGBY, Dec. 1. The development of the situation following upon the Russian invasion of Finland is being studied in London with, close attention. Press reports are conflicting in certain details, but there is no attempt to minimise the gravity of the vi'oav taken in authorative quarters. The deep regret at the Soviet action expressed in the House of Commons yesterday )>,y the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, and' liis measured and unambiguous condemnation of the aggressor are echoed throughout the national and provincial press, which expresses the deepest sympathy Avith the latest victim of .yet another demonstration. that, in the eyes of the despotisms of central and eastern Europe, a small nation possesses no lights save those Avhieli it can assert by the force of its oavii arms or those of its friends. Friends of Finland “The friends of Finland,” says The ’rimes, “must at this moment- include all the free nations of the world, but geography has set this gallant people in the recesses of the Baltic, avlioic they are directly unapproachable by any great PoAver except the. two representatives of brute force. Throughout the press there i.s inevitable comment .on the similarity ol the technique adopted hy Russia in regard to Finland Avith that of Germany towards Czechslovakia and Poland. Reluctant Acquiescence It is considered inconceivable that a Icav months ago when the Soviet and German policies Avere apparently in conflict, Germany would 4 have permitted an invasion of Finland, lor AvhoSe independence she Avas largely responsible and Avho.se civilisation has - , much in common Avith her oavii. That she now acquisces iioav Avit-li reluctance, and that the Nazi Government fears an unfavourable public reaction is suggested! by the I act tha t all reference to the invasion was yesterday, excluded from the ‘German, press. -Credence is gryon in informed circles to reports in neutral newspapers that military and naval circles in Berlin regard the Soviet action with profound misgiving.