HEAVY FIGHTING

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20989, 16 December 1939, Page 8

HEAVY FIGHTING

INVASION OF FINLAND BIG SOVIET LOSSES TERRIFIC EXPLOSIONS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyngni (Received Dec. 16, 3.15 p.m.) HELSINKI, Dec. 15 It is officially claimed that the Finns are entirely in possession of the district of Tolvajarvi on the southern front. The troops are pursuing the Russians. The battle in this area lasted three days, and it is stated that two Soviet’ regiments were destroyed. The Red Army, however, is progressing in the extreme north, where four villages besides Salijarvi are ablaze. Throughout the night terrific explosions were heard on the Norwegian frontier, belived to indicate the blowing up of the nickel mines. The Russians in Central Finland claim to have reached a point 67 miles from the Soviet frontier. The pressure against Salla is strong, but the Finns have received reinforcements and are holding their own and inflicting heavy losses.

Thousands of Red troops are reDorted to have fallen in this area. The Finns have withdrawn huge herds of reindeer from the district and doubt whether it is possible for the Russians, with their long and vulnerable lines of communication, to be able to provide troops with provisions for any length of time.

IF BRITAIN HELPS WILL BE ALL RIGHT CAN HOLD OUT INDEFINITELY (Uniton Press *ssn.—Elec. To’ Copyright) (Received Dec. 16, 3.15 p.m.) HELSINKI, Dec. 15 The Foreign Office spokesman welcomed Mr Chamberlain’s statement, and said If only Britain would help we would be all right.” Dr. Erkko, in an interview at Stockholm, said Finland can hold out indefinitely if munitions and supplies are available without delay. The Archbishop of Sweden, in a message of sympathy to the Archbishop of Finland, said: “ You are fighting for the things we all hold dear.” Almost Complete Mobilisation

More men have been called up, resulting in almost in complete mobilisation.

AID FOR FINLAND MUNITIONS FROM BRITAIN TRANSPORT FACILITATED 'Official wireless) (Received Dec. 16, 3.15 p.m.) RUGBY, Dec. 15 In connection with the Prime Minister’s statement in the House of Commons on Thursday that the Government has decided to permit of the release and immediate delivery to Finland by the maufacturers of a number of aircraft, it is learned that m addition to these aircraft and a quantity of gasmasks, the Government will release its claims to such war materials desired by Finland cs can be spared by British needs. The necessary export and other licenses will be granted to those manufacturers with whom Finland may place orders. ON NORWEGIAN BORDER ADVANCE OF RED ARMY BIGGEST BATTLE OF WAR (United Frees Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) HELSINKI, Dec. 14 Soviet troops reached the Norwegian frontier when they occupied the blazing town of Salmijarvi and the Norwegians mined the frontier. The Finns, when retreating, set fire to all shelter, lighting up the black panopied sky. The snow was coloured crimson by the heavy Russian losses. The biggest battle of the war continues at Salla, which is one of two parallels of the thrust towards Tomio. The Russians are reported to be launching a third toward Kuusamo, from where the road leads to Oulou. A Finnish communique reports a further advance, bombardment on the Gulf of Finland, and a Finnish advance from Tolvajarvi. CONFISCATION ORDERED PRIZE COURT DECISION TWO SWEDISH SHIPS (Unltpfl Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 16, 3.15 p.m.) STOCKHOLM, Dec. 15 A message from Hamburg states that the Prize Court ordered the confiscation of two seized Swedish ships and ruled that all the paper pulp cargo was contraband. An expert gave evidence that Germany used the paper as a wrapping for the explosive inside shells. He said he believed the British used similar wrappings. WAR DEBTS FINLAND PAYS INSTALMENT (Unl’"l Prp*s \scn.— Elrr th Copvrtrtit) (Received Dec. 16, 3.15 p.m.) WASHINGTON. Dec. 15 1 Finland has paid its half-yearly 1 debt instalment of 234,693 dollars-