FINAL STEP

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 August 1941, Page 5

FINAL STEP

FINLAND BREAKS OFF RELATIONS CLASSED AS ENEMY-OCCUPIED TERRITORY. ACTUAL STATE OF WAR NOT INVOLVED. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY. August 2. The Finnish Minister, M. Gripenberg, was received last evening in the Foreign Office by Mr Eden and, acting on instructions from his Government. broke off diplomatic relations with Britain. In consequence of the action, instructions have been sent to the British Minister to Helsinki. Mr Vereker, to ask for his passport. Regret is expressed in London that Finland, under pressure, has associated with the Axis Powers and been forced into this action.

Press reports state that the Finnish Government has requested the Swedish Government to represent Finland in London, and it is thought that the United States Government may look after British interests in Finland. The severance of diplomatic relations does not involve an actual state of war. Proposals are being examined for the exchange of the Finnish officials in Britain and British officials in Finland. All communications have been interrupted between Finland and Britain, and all Finnish assets are automatically frozen. The Board of Trade and the Ministry of Economic Warfare announced that Finland is regarded as enemyoccupied territory for the purpose of the Trading with the Enemy Act, and it is accordingly a punishable offence to have commercial, financial or other dealings with any person in Finland. Moreover, Finland will be regarded as an enemy destination for contraband purposes, and all goods originating or owned in that territory arc liable to seizure.

Finland today issued a statement expressing regret that Britain made public before Finland received it her reply to the Finnish Note announcing the decision to break off diplomatic relations with Britain. The British reply did not mention the bombing of Petsamo on July 30, which caused loss of life and material damage. The bombing, the statement adds, was carried out before the British reply was delivered, and, further, this action was prepared before the Finnish Note.