NEWS IN HELSINKI

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 March 1940, Page 7

NEWS IN HELSINKI

LENGTHY DELIBERATION IN PARLIAMENT I SEVERITY OF TERMS SHOCKS PEOPLE. MANY INDICATIONS OF STRONG OPPOSITION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON. March 13. Stockholm reported that the Finnish Parliament was still deliberating on the Russian peace terms at 3 o’clock (G.M.T.) this morning. This suggested that the Finnish delegation to Moscow had no power to complete final terms. Under the constitution, there must be a five-sixths majority in Parliament for the ratification of the treaty. The severity of the terms has shocked and bewildered, the Finns. The Helsinki correspondent of the British United Press reports that there are many indications of strong opposition to the reported peace. It is reported that the treaty must be ratified within three days and the instruments of ratification must be exchanged in Moscow. M. Ryti (Prime Minister). Dr. Paasikivi. General Walden, and M. Voionmaa signed for Finland, and M. Molotov (Prime Minister). M. Zhdanov (members of the'Supreme Soviet Council) and General Vassilievski for Russia. Stalin's peace terms are far more drastic than was expected. SCANDINAVIA CONFUSED The Moscow announcements threw Scandinavia into the greatest confusion. Contradictory reports poured from Finnish sources throughout Scandinavia during the hour after, the Moscow announcement, but it seems undeniable that, whatever may be the official attitude at Helsinki, the Finnish delegates in Moscow agreed to the terms. It is suggested in several quarters that the delegates were not given an opportunity of consulting Helsinki, despite the fact that the Diet has been sitting continuously. The Diet was still in session early this morning. It is believed there have been stormy scenes, especially after the news of the British and French promise of aid. MINISTERS RESIGN Changes in the Finnish Government are regarded as inevitable should peace be ratified. It is reported from Paris that the Finnish War Minister, M. Niukkanen, and the Minister of Education, M. Hannula. have already resigned. The cession of the Karelian Isthmus means that Finland gives up the Mannerheim Line, and the leasing of Hanko for a Russian base means that the Soviet will control the Gulf of Finland, menacing Helsinki. It is stated that though the Finnish delegates went to Moscow after Marshal Mannerheim had explained the military situation, final acceptance or rejection of the terms might rest with him. Marshal Mannerheim, it is reported, knew of the British and French unreserved offer of help (announced on Monday) at the week-end. Finnish official circles seemed unprepared for the news and did their utmost until well after midnight to prevent the news leaving Helsinki. ■ The correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain began after midnight to telephone a message to London. He got as far as saying that it was officially denied that a treaty had been signed and that the Diet was meeting in the greatest secrecy, when he was cut off. Helsinki radio at midnight also asserted that agreement had not been reached and officials there were still denying an agreement at 1 a.m. local time. The Finnish spokesman emphasised that the final word had not been spoken because peace depended on a decision of the Diet.

“FOUGHT LIKE MEN”

MINISTER PAYS TRIBUTE TO FINNISH ARMY MANY GREAT VICTORIES ACHIEVED. DENIAL OF POLITICAL CHANGES. (Received This Day. 9 a.m.) LONDON. March 13. The Finnish Foreign Minister, M. Tanner, said: “Finland’s new frontier approximates the line fixed during the reign of Peter the Great. We had not prepared for this war because we trusted in treaties. We also had certain guarantees from other quarters. We asked for help from Sweden, who was in the best position to aid. but Sweden did not find it possible to do so. "We received some help in the form of arms and money also humanitarian help. Our army did well. It fought with all its might. I will not use the commonplace word 'heroes.' but will say they fought like men. We achieved many great victories and only on the main frontier were we forced to withdraw a little. There will not be any political changes in the Finnish Govervnment and there is no question of the Soviet's puppet so-called People's Government being imposed on the Finns.” M. Tanner revealed that the Finnish Government made contact with the Soviet about a fortnight before the Finnish delegation went to Moscow on March 6. The Soviet's peace terms, he said, were much heavier than their original peace offer, which was much heavier than their demands of last autumn. Troop withdrawals begin at 10 a.m. on Friday. TRAGEDY & GUILT SCANDINAVIAN WEAKNESS. (Received This Day. 9.0 a.m.) LONDON. March 13. According to a messtige from Oslo, the “Tidsns Tegn” declared: “We are witnessing a tragedy in which we also are guilty. We must blame the Scandinavians for a weak defence policy and nervous neutrality.” ITALIAN JEER ALLIED HELP 'l'oo LATE. (Received This Day. 9.0 a.m.) LONDON. March 13. A Rome message states that the

"Popc-lo di Roma" said: “The peace terms indicate a compromise and not a signal Soviet victory. Finnish heroism has not been wasted. The British and French, as is their custom, hasten to show their readiness to help now that peace is made.”