SOVIET BLOCKADE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 December 1939, Page 6

SOVIET BLOCKADE

OF THE FINNISH COAST CHALLENGED BY UNITED STATES. ACTION WITHOUT LEGAL JUSTIFICATION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Dav. 11.45 a.m.) WASHINGTON. December 8. The Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) announced that the United States would hold the Russian Government responsible for any damage or injuries to Americans or American interests through the blockade of Finland. He indicated moreover, that the United States, would refuse, on a matter of. principle, to recognise the establishment of Russia’s blockade. It was insisted that the latter had no justification under international law, since there had been no declaration of war.

President Roosevelt, at a Press conference said he had discussed with Mi’ J. P. Kennedy (Ambassador to Britain) the problem of diverting American shipping to non-European trade routes, particular those abandoned by the belligerents between neutral ports. The President said plans for American ships to carry goods under the AngloAmerican barter agreement of June 29, had not gone as far as he had hoped. Mr Kennedy, commenting, said he had also discussed with the President the question of diverting American ships to Australian and other Empire routes and the possibility of United 'States southern pine timber displacing Scandinavian timber, which it was increasingly difficult for the belligerents to obtain. He added that British officials with whom he had discussed the matter are in accord with his shipping ideas. RELIEF APPEAL MADE BY MR HOOVER. PRACTICAL SYMPATHY WITH FINNS. (Received This Day. 11.45 a.m.) NEW YORK, December 8. Mr Herbert Hoover has issued a na-tion-wide appeal for money contributions to a Finnish Relief Fund to ‘'express undivided and practical sympathy with the Finnish people.” SWEDISH GIFTS SUM OF £35.000 HANDED TO M. ERKKO. (Received This Day, 11.15 a.m.) STOCKHOLM, December 3. Four anonymous businessmen have handed M Erkko £35,000 as a gift to Finland. ASSURANCE TO FINLAND DALADIER’S DECLARATION. INVASION AN ABOMINABLE OUTRAGE. (Received This Day, 11.10 a.m.) PARIS. December 8. M Daladier, speaking in the Chamber said the invasion of Finland was an abominable outrage. He assured Finland of France’s profound sympathy. The French Government was going to Geneva to answer Finland's appeal. SPANISH SYMPATHY (Received This Day, 11.10 a.m.) MADRID, December 8. The Government has expressed sympathy with Finland in her fight against Russia’s barbaric invasion.