MAY NOT RESIGN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 December 1939, Page 7

MAY NOT RESIGN

SOVIET AND THE LEAGUE FEARS OF WORLD BLOC. SOME PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES IN REMAINING. NEW YORK, December 13. Mr G. E. R. Gedye, the Moscow correspondent of the “New York Times,” says opinion in diplomatic circles is evenly divided on the question of whether the Soviet rulers will satisfy their ever-sensitive feelings over questions of prestige by resigning from the League, thereby further compromising their liberty of action in respect to Germany, as Germany clearly hopes, or whether they will pocket their prestige for the sake of practical advantages inherent in remaining in the League. It is thought that resignation will bring nearer the formation of an antiSoviet world bloc, which is a nightmare always haunting the Soviet. Thus some feel that Russia will submit to a rebtike and even see practical opposition to the Finnish adventure in order to retain membership.

EXPULSION ISSUE DECISION OF COMMITTEE OF THIRTEEN. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10 a.m.) RUGBY. December 13. Press reports from Geneva state that the Committee of Thirteen, appointed by the Assembly to discuss the Finnish appeal, has adopted a report and resolution recommending the expulsion of Russia from the League and assistance for Finland. The committee’s decision will have to be placed before the Assembly.

FINLAND DAV PROCLAIMED IN NEW YORK STATE. NEW YORK, December 12. A message from Albany states that December 17 has been proclaimed "Finland Day" throughout the State. Events at Geneva are being closely followed in the United States, where popular feeling against Russia is steadily rising. Daventry reports. Thousands of people are attending mass meetings to protest against the invasion of Finland, and contributions are pouring into the Finnish fund. In many quarters prompt aid for Finland is being advocated, and this view is expressed to today's “New York Times,” which says that the real question is not how many resolutions will be adopted praising.- Finland and condemning Russia, but how many guns Finland can acquire. "She needs planes and cannon in America’s markets." the newspaper states. “Finland is not at war within the present definition of the neutrality Act and is not barred by other legislation from obtaining loans. Americans hope that ways can be found to giveprompt aid where it is most needed.”

ATTITUDE OF SWEDEN

CABINET RECONSTRUCTION. IN SUPPORT OF POLICY OF NEUTRALITY. STOCKHOLM, December 12. It is reported that the Swedish Cabinet has been reconstructed on strictly neutral lines. The Foreign Minister, M Sandler, who has shown pro-Fin-nish leanings, is reported to be not included. The new Government's policy will embrace all possible help for Finland in accordance with neutrality. The- new Foreign Minister is M Guenther.

Daventry reports that the formation of a new Swedish Cabinet, is announced. including all parties except, the Communists.

LIMITED HELP

NO CHECK ON PRIVATE ACTION. (Received This Day. 10.40 a.m.) STOCKHOLM. December 13. The Government, in a statement said: “We will give Finland the human and material help which has already spontaneously appeared, but shall maintain neutrality.” This is interpreted to mean that the Government will confine its assistance to ambulances and relief funds, not hindering private and unofficial help of other kinds.