FINLAND’S CASE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 December 1939, Page 5

FINLAND’S CASE

NO THREAT TO SECURITY OF LENINGRAD CONCILIATION COMMISSION 1 PROPOSED. HOSTILE ATTITUDE DENIED. HELSINKI, November 30. The Finnish reply to the earlier Russian Note emphasises that on the Finnish side of the frontier the only frontier guards and forces stationed do not constitute any threat against Leningrad’s security, for which reason the denunciation of the Non'-Aggression Treaty is not justified. The reply points out that under the treaty both parties agreed to resort exclusively to pacific means of settling any disputes, whatever their nature or origin, which arose between them. The Finnish Government accordingly proposes that a conciliation commission be summoned immediately in order to examine the present controversy. Alternatively, Finland is ready to submit the dispute to neutral arbitration.

The reply adds that in order to refute the Soviet Government's allegations that Finland adopted a hostile attitude toward the Soviet and to prove the sincere desire for a friendly agreement, the Finnish Government is ready to negotiate for a withdrawal of troops from the Karelian Isthmus, with the exception of the frontier and Customs officers, to such a distance from Leningrad that it could not be even alleged that they threaten its security.

The Moscow correspondent of the British Associated Press said that despite the rupture of diplomatic relations the Finnish reply was delivered 10 minutes after midnight, or almost three hours after M Molotov's announcement. The Finnish Minister previously had declared that he did not inlend to deliver it.

Moscow’s excuse for its aggression, a Davcntry broadcast states, is described by America Press comment as extremely thin. Some papers . describe the Russian excuse as more grotesque than that offered by Germany when she invaded Poland. Russian excuses, it is said, are accepted nowhere outside of Russia. The only German comment is that Germany is not concerned with differences between Russia and Finland, and that Russia is evidently taking steps to safeguard Leningrad. DEED OF DARKNESS SUPPRESSION OF THE NEWS IN RUSSIA. (Received This Day. 10.20 a.m.) MOSCOW,' November 30. This morning's radio bulletins do not mention the invasion of Finland.