VIBORG ENCIRCLED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 March 1940, Page 5

VIBORG ENCIRCLED

ACCORDING TO RUSSIANS. Bv Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. MOSCOW, March 12. The radio claimed that Viborg is completely encircled and that Soviet troops have entered the eastern and northern parts of the city. WIDELY APPROVED STATEMENT BY THE BRITISH PREMIER. IMPRESSION TN DIPLOMATIC CIRCLES. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, March 11. Mr Chamberlain’s firm statement in the House of Commons on aid to Finland made a deep impression in political and foreign diplomatic circles in London. It has been received by the public generally with whole hearted approval. : The statement aroused comment for the directness and energy •of its language, to which —it is noteworthy—the. shrewdest observers tend Io give its full value. POLICY OF SWEDEN REPLY MADE TO ALLIED CRITICISM. CONTACT WITH GERMANY DENIED. LONDON. March 11. Foreign diplomatic observers in Stockholm declare that relations ' between the Allies and Sweden and Sweden and Norway have become more strained, because of the attitude of the Western Powers toward the role of the Scandinavian States in the Russo-Finnish war. Diplomatic circles in Paris are critical of Swedens attitude, the opinion being expressed that it is regrettable that Sweden has adopted the German conception of neutrality, which forbids troops for Finland from third Powers traversing Swedish territory. It is said that when this attitude is adopted Sweden invites Finland to give up the struggle. The Swedish Legation in Paris has explained Sweden’s part in a communique, which stated that the Swedish Government did not take the initiative but maintained the role of intermediary without assuming that of mediator. Sweden exercised no pres, sure on Finland, and was not the object of pressure by Germany or any other country. On no occasion had Sweden opposed the transit of material to Finland, to whom she was giving more and more help on Hie terms laid down. In Stockholm the Foreign Minister. Mr Guenther, said: -Swedes are surprised al the misunderstanding and misrepresentation of our policy abroad. We have not had the slightest contact with Germany from the beginning of the Russo-Finnish negotiations.” He admitted that Sweden had transmitted the Russian proposals and the Finnish reply, and added that the question of a Swedish guarantee to Finland if peace was concluded had not arisen. Though Sweden’s maintenance of neutrality was the best way of helping Finland, she “'lias really done a great deal in supplying material and volunteers,” he said. DANES SCEPTICAL “ATTEMPT TO HOLD UP PEACE.” By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. COPENHAGEN, March 12. .•v Informed circles are sceptical rej garding Mr Chamberlain’s statement, and describe it as a last-minute altempt to hold up peace which will not succeed. FACTS CONCEALED ' TN RUSSIA & GERMANY. LONDON. March 12. Neither the German nor the Russian public has been informed of the Russian-Finnish peace moves, and the Moscow radio’s attacks on the Finnish 'leaders were repeated this morning.