HEAVY SOVIET FORCES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 February 1940, Page 6

HEAVY SOVIET FORCES

ON THE KARELIAN FRONT

CONCENTRATION OF 200.000 MEN.

ANOTHER FINNISH TOWN EVACUATED.

By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. (Received This Day, 11.45 a.m.) HELSINKI. February 27. The Finnish High Command has ordered the evacuation of Sakkijarvi. fifty miles west of Viborg, in the belief that the Russians from Bjorko m?.y cross the narrowest part of Viborg Bay, landing troops to encircle the town. The Red Army is,believed to be concentrating 200.000 men on this front. A Finnish communique states: “We caused heavy Russian casualties during attacks on the islands in Viborg Bay and also repulsed attacks on Salmenkaita, captured a quantity of arms and destroyed eighteen tanks. We threw back an onslaught against Taibela. The enemy attacked throughout the day on the Petsamo front, whore we withdrew our defensive positions to Nautsi on the Norwegian frontier. We brought crown seventeen planes.’’ Forty German vessels, reported to be accompanied by submarines, have assembled between Murmansk and Petsamo. IN ARCTIC WATERS NAVAL BATTLE REPORT. (Received This Dav, 10.25 a.m.) LONDON, February 27. British naval circles regard the Vardo (Norway) report of a sea battle as an attempt by Germany to obtain information as to whether British naval ships are in the vicinity. The Admiralty does not intend to satisfy that curiosity.