NO HALT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 January 1940, Page 5

NO HALT

INVASION TO PROCEED DECISION OF THE SOVIET WAR COUNCIL. METHODICAL PREPARATIONS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, December 31. The Swedish newspaper “National Tidende” quotes reports from Riga that the War Council in the Kremlin decided not to postpone the Finnish offensive until the Finns are helped from abroad, thus overruling a minority’s contention that peace should be formulated on the basis of Finland’s earlier conditions. The Rome radio announced that General Stern, of the Soviet’s Far Eastern Army, has taken the command on the Arctic front. Judging by recent reports, the replacement of the Russian commander in the Leningrad district is being followed by better-thought-out preparations for a renewed offensive. The new commandant is one of the youngest generals in the Russian army. The Russians are now gathering on the Karelian Isthmus picked troops who are believed to include troops seasoned to winter warfare along the Mongolian border. They also include soldiers trained in the use of skis. The Finns have scored some of their most notable successes on skis, but so far no Russian skiers have been recorded in action. Another sign that the Soviet is nowlearning from the reverses was given by the Moscow radio. It advised officers and men of the Red Army to read a new book just published in Russia, "Winter Warfare. According to Finnish Views.’’ It deals with the special tactics the Finns have used with such remarkable success. POSITION REVERSED ; BY FINNISH HEROISM AND SKILL. BRITISH PRESS TRIBUTES. RUGBY, December 29. The heroism and skill displayed by Finland in her stand against Russian aggression has received the same admiration and respect from weekly newspapers which was accorded in the daily Press. The papers reflect the opinion of the vast majority of the British people. In an editorial commentary on the history of the past week, the “Spectator” says: "Some 10 days ago it was feared that the courageous Finnish resistance was at length proving unavailing against the overwhelming superiority of the Russians in numbers and in defensive weapons. But within a week the whole position has been reversed by a combination of masterly strategy at headquarters, and the amazing tactical skill with which of-

fleers and men have turned knowledge of the country and their mobility to good account. VICTIMS OF AGGRESSION AND AMERICAN NEUTRALITY. A SENATOR’S PROPOSAL. WASHINGTON. December 31. The assistant Senate Republican leader. Senator Warren Austin, is urging an amendment to the Neutrality Act to exempt “republics such as Finland. which are victims of an aggressor. It has become clear (he added) that an ideological idea is involved. That was not the case when the Neutrality Act was considered.” He states that lie heartily favours lending Finland 50,000,000 dollars, the sum which the republic is reported to be seeking for munitions. “The United States is on the defensive in the present, situation.” Senator Austin says. "It is as great a danger to have Russia coming across Finland toward us as to have Germany come across France.”