HOLDING OUT

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

HOLDING OUT

FINNS AT BAY ✓ SOVIET ACCUSATION I TR EA C iIE] iOU S’ A', IT AOK S LONDON, Dec. 1. The first Finnish war communique stated that all the Russian troops were lad ted yesterday afternoon, i t was denied that Finnish troops crossed the Russian frontier. The I* inns are reported to be holding out on the Kar.elian Isthmus, where they wrecked numerous Russian tanks. A Finnish radio broadcast declared that the invaders' were repelled sit most points and were -prevented from advancing from positions where they had gained! a foothold. .Stockholm messages state that bitter fighting i.s reported at Terijoki where the Russians are keeping the Finnish defences continually engaged with artillery fire, and bombing by air. Successive waves of Soviet troops are reported to have been driven hack. Pstsanvo Peninsula The Russians were to-day reported to have occupied Potsamo alter fierce fighting ill the "course oi: which Russian* troops were landed by parachute. Most of the city is,in. flames. .Russian warships are reported to he heavily bombarding the port of Hanko. Copenhagen reports state that there Russian warships bombarded Hanko ]si a mil all the morning. The entife population was huddled in shelters for'hours, hut the fortress apparently was not damaged. Refugees Reach Norway The modern Finnish harbour of Liinaliamari, at the terminus of “ the

Unit it -to-Arctic road was bombed. The entire town was soon aflame. Two hundred refugees ii*om the town entered Norway. The Soviet Fleet was visible from Helsinki this morning.- ft disappeared over the horizon. The Moscow radio announced that the Red army was forced! to mareli because of “treacherous attacks”' by Finnish -troops. The Soviet commander had ho alternative hut to order the fullest destruction of the enemy..