PRESSURE ON FINLAND

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 November 1939, Page 5

PRESSURE ON FINLAND

SOVIET DEMANDING NAVAL & AIR BASES M STALIN’S REPORTED INSISTENCE. BREAK IN NEGOTIATIONS POSSIBLE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, November 13. The Helsinki correspondent of “The Times” says that the Finnish Foreign Minister, M Erkko, explained that the Finnish delegates in Moscow have not seen the Soviet leaders since November 8. If the negotiations are not resumed today they will probably return immediately. He emphasised that Finland throughout has been willing to consider concessions considerably strengthening Leningrad’s military security, but it could not accept proposals weakening Finland’s own defence. It is understood that the most serious stumbling block is the Soviet’s demand for a naval base in west Finland. The Moscow correspondent of “The Times” says it is stated that the Soviet Government will be satisfied only by Finland’s full acceptance of the Soviet’s “minimum demands,” which, it is asserted, do not menace Finland’s independence or security; otherwise the Soviet will find ,ways and means of obtaining what she requires. The Soviet trade union newspaper “Trud” violently attacks the Finnish Government, asking whether it wants to involve its small country in a fight with the Soviet's 180 millions. A Copenhagen message states that Russia is not only asking for a naval base at Hanko but also for an inland air and military base. The “Berlingske Tidende’s” Helsinki correspondent says that the Finnish delegation offered territory facing Leningrad but the Soviet was not satisfied and demanded more. M Stalin insisted on Hanko, which the Finns refused even to discuss. Daventry reports that the negotiations between Finland and Russia have been suspended and that no agreement has been reached. The Finnish delegates are leaving Moscow for home tonight. The Soviet Press has taken up a new line and has hinted at the manner in which Russia hopes to get her way. A more hostile attitude is apparent. It is stated that loss of trade would bring Finland to the brink of ruin and that she would not be able to stand the financial strain for more than a few months _____