ATTEMPT TO START WAR IN BALTIC

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 October 1939, Page 7

ATTEMPT TO START WAR IN BALTIC

Activities of Non-Russian Forces HOPES OF INVOLVING SOVIET IN CONFLICT WITH ALLIES BY INTENSIFYING EXISTING TENSION (By Telegraph .— Press Association.—Copyright.) NEW YORK, October 12. The “Now York Times' ” correspondent, Mr G. E. R. Godye. in a message from Moscow says that Russia and Finland have both taken military precautionary measures similar to those taken by other European countries frequently during the last 20 years'without clashing, but the Scandinavian countries are satisfied that nou-Russian forces in Moscow are seeking to increase the Russian-Scandinavian tension,and also are spreadinti' premature reports of excessive Russian demands in the hope of creating a situation in which Russia will lose face by moderating whatever demands she may have contemplated. Tlie motive of this would be to provoke a Russian-Scandin-avian conflict and bring Russia more actively on Germany’s side against the Western Powers. The news of the Anglo-Soviet trade agreement intensified the efforts 1o provoke a conflict with the Scandinavian countries, which it is believed to be certain would involve Russia in a war with Britain and France.'

THE FINNISH DELEGATION ALMOST AT FULL STRENGTH. HELSINKI HALF EMPTIED OF PEOPLE. LONDON. October 13. A report from Helsinki says the city was almost deserted overnight. Virtually- half the population has departed. Even open cattle trucks have been utilised to carry the evacuees. The Helsinki correspondent of the British United Press says it is authoritatively stated that Finland now has 300,000 men under arms. This is virtually the full strength, of the Finnish army, but is is estimated that another 150,000 volunteers could be mobilised if necessary.