SWIFT RUSSIAN ADVANCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 December 1939, Page 5

SWIFT RUSSIAN ADVANCE

Overwhelming Russian forces trampled swiftly across the outposts of Finland's defences, and at the end of the first day of the war were reported td.be in occupation of several strategic military bases. Dispatches from the Baltic war zone last night said that the Red Army was now advancing rapidly toward the “Finnish Maginot Line” 20 miles inside the frontier, and was encountering some resistance. It was already in possession of a number of frontier posts* from which all communications were! cut off. The hard-pressed Finns have been I fighting a gallant defensive action in the face of a triple onslaught from sea. land and air. The Soviet fleet took up stations and hammered the shore positions, while bombers stood by in readiness for mass attacks. NEW CABINET FORMED Although the Russian ultimatum was not confirmed, according to the Moscow correspondent of the “New York Times,” Mr G. E. R. Gedye, it demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister of Finland Professor Cajander, the Foreign Minister. M Erkko, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Finnish troops, Baron von Mannerheim, otherwise all cities and strategic centres would be bombed, a radio message states. A secret conference of Parliament was held to discuss the situation, and Cabinet was accorded a unanimous vote of confidence. Nevertheless, it decided, in order to protect human life and property from the horrors threatened, to resign, and a new Cabinet consisting of representatives of all parties (the late Cabinet was largely Conservative) lias been formed. Though there lias not been a repetition of the air raids, severe fighting is stated to be continuing in several areas. The Finns claim to have repulsed the Red Army in the Lake Ladoga area, but in the far north on the Rybachi Peninsula. Soviet troops have succeeded in their objectives, including the capture of Finland’s only ice-free port. NEWS CUT OFF HANKO ISLAND HEAVILY SHELLED. _ LONDON. December 1. There has been a complete lack of news from Finland since 6.50 o’clock this morning. This morning's official Finnish radio news bulletin did not mention the Government’s resignation. An early morning radio report states}