Page 389
Page 389
11
(c) Cession of territory round Kuolajarvi and construction of a railway from
Kandlaksha to Kemijarvi.
This is of great strategic importance as it would much simplify the difficulties of a Russian advance across the Finnish waist-line, and would also enable Russia to intervene very quickly in the event of hostilities spreading to the head of the Gulf of Bothnia. It also improves the defence of the Murmansk railway, which, in this sector, runs only 50 miles from the old frontier.
(d) Transit facilities across Petsamo Province.
The object of this concession is obscure as there is very little trade between Russia and Norway, and what there is can easily be shipped from Murmansk. It may be a measure to enable Russia to flood North Finland with agents and ensure that no anti-Russian activities are started there.
(e) Cession of the Ribachi Peninsula.
Improves the defences of Murmansk and enables Russia to dominate the Petsamo Estuary.
313
[20993]
Page 389
c 2
Page 389
Page 389