BRITISH MISSION GOING TO RUSSIA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 June 1941, Page 5

BRITISH MISSION GOING TO RUSSIA

Statement by Mr Eden INTENSIFIED EFFORT TO CRUSH HITLERISM RELATIONS WITH TURKEY AND FINLAND LONDON, -June 24. Following an announcement by Mr Eden, British Foreign Secretary, in the House of Commons that Britain is to send military and economic missions to Russia, it was stated m London that preparations for the despatch of the missions were being pressed forward as quickly as possible. It is expected that arrangements will shortly be completed. Sir Stafford Cripps, British Ambassador to Russia, hopes to be able to return to that country in a few days’ time. He is occupied at present with conversations in London. Mr Eden said the object of the mission was to co-ordinate the common war effort to crush Hitlerism. Britain’s offer of assistance had been accepted by the Soviet Government, which had made it plain that it would be on a mutual and reciprocal basis. Turkey was Britain’s friend and ally, said Mi Eden, and in the last 24 hours she had assured Britain that her treaty with this country was still intact. . ' . +l. There was no change in diplomatic relations between the Soviet and Finland, according to the Finnish Minister, who hoped that his country would not be involved in a conflict. Denying German allegations of a secret agreement between Britain and Russia, Mr Eden said the opportunity for such an agreement never presented itself, but had always been retarded by Russia’s observance of her pact with Germany. The Russians were now fighting for their lives and Britain would not relax, but would intensify her war effort.