RUSSIANS CLOSING IN ON VIBORG

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 March 1940, Page 5

RUSSIANS CLOSING IN ON VIBORG

In Spite of Stubborn Efforts by Defenders Z FALL OF CITY REPORTED TO BE IMMINENT FINNS TAKING UP NEW POSITIONS The position of Viborg-, Daventry reports, is extremely grave. Approaching from three sides, the Russians have occupied a residential suburb two miles from the city in an attempted encirclement of the defending forces. Every inch of ground over which the Russians have advanced has been bitterly contested, The Russians claim the capture of nearly 800 strong positions and three stations on a railway leading to the city. Even if Viborg is lost, it is stated, the Russians will have other lines of fortifications to overcome. Viborg is now empty and is being shelled constantly. Harly a building remains standing. ' An official message from- Finland described the position as very grave and said that the fall of the city was imminent. The Finns emphasised, however, that there was still no reason for pessimism. Terrific pressure by the Red Army on Thursday night compelled the Finnish forces to begin withdrawing to a new defensive line halfway across the Karelian Isthmus. This retreat was admitted by the Finns in an official communique. It was reported that from their new positions behind Viborg the Finns were preparing to offer further strong resistance, and were determined to check the Red Army. At the same time other troops and heavy artillery fire were stil] hampering the advance on Viborg.