HOPEFUL VIEW

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 October 1939, Page 6

HOPEFUL VIEW

TAKEN BY FINNISH MINISTER ATTITUDE OF DEMOCRACIES APPRECIATED. NAVAL ORDERS TO SHIPPING. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. (Received This Day, 10.50 a.m.) HELSINGFORS, October 12. A Foreign Office spokesman expressed optimism and reiterated Finland's appreciation of the sympathy of England, America and Scandinavia. The naval authorities have instructed shipping to leave ports in South Finland, and call at western ports. LATVIAN DELEGATION PARTY ARRIVES IN MOSCOW TO CONCLUDE COMMERCIAL TREATY. (Received This Day, 1.30 p.m.) MOSCOW. October 12. The Latvian delegation has arrived to conclude a comrpercial treaty. Parliament has ratified the Soviet-Lithu-anian pact. POSSIBLE CONCESSION ISLANDS ON RUSSIAN COAST, DETERMINATION TO REJECT ULTIMATUM. (Received This Day, 1.15 p.m.) HELSINKI, October 12. Quarters in close contact with the Government are inclined to believe that the Russian demands will be confined to the three islands commanding the approaches to Kronstadt and Leningrad, which might be regarded favourably if compensation were adequate. The Government is determined flatly to reject anything in the nature of an ultimatum. In the meantime, emergency preparations continue. The gulf ports of Helsinki, Hango, Viburg, Burga and Kotka are reported to have been closed to Finnish shipping. More reservists have been called up and virtual mobilisation has been completed. Troops have been stationed at strategic points on the frontiers and air raid shelters are dug. * Squadrons of Soviet planes are reconnoitring the Finnish coast and Red Army troops continue to assemble on the frontiers. M. Erkko, in a statement, said: “No demands have yet bebn submitted. We have been asked to exchange views and there is no reason to reject the request.

AVOIDING WAR SWEDISH PREMIER’S BELIEF. (Received This Day, 1.30 p.m.) STOCKHOLM, October 12. The Prime Minister declared that he was convinced that Svzeden would be able to avoid armed conflict, although all neutral countries must be on guard to protect their legitimate rights and vital interests. SOVIET ACTION TAKING MORE OMINOUS FORM. NO DIPLOMATIC CHANGE. (Received This Day, 11.15 p.m.) LONDON. October 12. The Baltic situation is unchanged. The diplomatic manoeuvres of Russia and Finland has not produced anything concrete, although Russian military activity is taking a more ominous form. TALKS IN MOSCOW AMERICAN AMBASSADOR j SEES MOLOTOV. , (Received This Day, 1.15 p.m.) MOSCOW, October 12. The United States Ambassador conferred with M. Molotov/giving credence to reports in some quarters that America may be making representations on behalf of Finland. After this the Finnish delegation conferred with M. Stalin and M. Molotov.