1940-03-14 — Page 7

HONGKONG DAILY PRESS

CABLES

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1940. -PAGE

འ་

RUSSO-FINN PEACE TREATY ANNOUNCED British Leftist Politician Declares WHILE FRENCH PREMIER DECLARES THAT Britain Could Have "Show Down" ALLIED

ARE READY

With Japanese Easily If It Was Necessary

FORCES

TO GO

GO TO

TO FINLAND'S AID

Viborg, Karelian Isthmus To Be Ceded To The Russians

BERLIN, Mar. 13 (Reuter)-The conclusion of a Russo-Finnish Peace Treaty was announced in a Moscow despatch to the Official German News Agency.

The despatch says that the most important points in the Treaty are: FIRST, the immediate discontinuance of all military operations by both sides; SECONDLY, the cession of the Karelian Isthmus, including Viborg, to the Soviet; THIRDLY, the military base on the Peninsula of Hangoe to be ceded to the

A New York message states that Moscow broadcasts confirm that a Peace Treaty was concluded.

Soviet.

An Official despatch from Moscow states that the Russo-Finnish peace terms were signed there and that hostilities would cease at noon on Wednesday,

MEANTIME-

MINISTERS RESIGN IN PROTEST

In the meantime, a message from Helsingfors states that it was reported there that the Finnish Ministers of

DESPERATE War and Education had resigned as a protest against the BATTLE FOR

VIBORG CONTINUES

agreement.

A later message states that the terms give Russia the whole of the Karelian Isthmus, the whole shore of Lake Ladoga, the Fishermen's Peninsula and part of East Fin- land."

Hangoe will be leased to the Soviet as a naval base for thirty years at an annual rental of 5,000,000 Finnish marks.

STOCKHOLM. Mar. 13 (Reuter) -Desperate fighting was raging lasi

A railway will be constructed this year from the White night in the outer suburbs or Sea Naval Base at Kandalakat to Kemljaervi.

Troops will retire to the new frontiers by 10 a.m. to-

Viborg. The Finns. entrenched In

the ruins of "empty houses, were day. mowing down the attackers with withering machine-gun Are..

The Petsamo District will be demilitarised.

A Havas message from Hel-

Shells of every calibre rained upon the town, starting fires which singfors states that the Fin- the Finns do not attempt to ex-nish decision to yield to Rus tinguish,

sia was due to the attitude of Sweden and pressure from

FRESH POSITIONS As Khe Russians advance in masses, the Finns retire strategi- cally to fresh positions, making the Russians pay dearly for the ground gained.

It is estimated that the Russians have hitherto lost between 300,000 and 400.000 men and are still los Ing 4,000 to 5,000 dally.

The Finns are reported to have lost 2.000 young officers' on the Is- thmus.

the Reich.

Parliament The Finnish

met

last night to discuss the peace

agreement reached in Moscow and

was still sitting at 11.30 pm.

Earlier messages stated that ac- cording to a Stockholm report given by Paris Radio, the Finnish

and M. Molotov last night. Delegation were to meet M. Stalin

NO INFORMATION

Times And Manchester Guardian On Treaty

PEACE PACT

TEXT

MOSCOW. Mar. 13 (Reuter). -The full official version of the peace terms confirms that the document has been signed.

FINNISH CONCESSIONS

It shows the cession of the "Karelian Isthmus, which includes the town of Viborg, the Bay of Viborg and the islands in the Bay

The exact extent of Finland's concessions are shown on an AC- companying map, but the written terms state that the Soviet Union will include the territory north and west of Lake Ladoga, with the towns of Kexholm, Sortavala and Tahmalservi, a number of islands in the Gulf of Finland. the territory of Maerkajaarvi, in- cluding Kuolajaervi. and parts of the Peninsulas of Ribach and Sreday.

The contracting parties under- take "to refrain from acts of aggression against each other and from concluding alliances directed against either party.

A thirty-year lease on Hangoe, against an annual rental of 8.000.- 000 Finnish marks, and includes a number of neighbouring islands

Firland

agrees to withdraw forces from Hangoe within ten

daya,

Finland agrees not to keep in the waters of the Arctic Ocean naval and other vessels exceeding 100 tons each and will refrain from establishing naval bases and shipyards in excess of those m quired for the above-mentioned ships.

Free transit across Petsamo is confirmed and the agreement states that the Kandalaksha- Kemilaervi Railway is to facili- tate the Soviet's right of transit traffic with Sweden.

The Treaty comes fato force Immediately and the documents of ratification will be exchanged within ten days.

The Soviet's evacuation of the Petsamo district will he complet- ed by April 10.

Peace Treaty Confirmed

were

nown

at

Sir Stafford Cripps Sure China Will Win War

SHANGHAI, MAR. 13 (REUTER)-SIR STAFFORD CRIPPS BRITISH LEFT-WING POLITICIAN, WHO VISITED INDIA, CHENGKING AND MOSCOW, ARRIVED HERE FROM HONG- KONG EN ROUTE TO JAPAN,

Interviewed Sir Stafford Cripps said he did not doubt that' Chungking will win the war against Japan. He explained that he could not see the Japanese being driven out of the country unless the Chinese got heavier war material, but he could visualise the Japanese getting out."

Reuter On

Chungking's Reactions

Sir Stafford Cripps also ex- pressed the view that although future relations between Bri- tain and Japan would depend on the respective governments. 'nevertheless'. In his opinion Britain could have a show- down with the Japanese easily when

wanted.

necessary, and if she

HONGKONG'S' POSITION CHUNGKING, March 13

When it was pointed out to him (Reuter)-News of the peace lose Hongkong temporarily, he re- that then, perhaps, Britain would agreement between the Soviet plied that the people on the spot and Finland did not come as should know better, but, in his a surprise to Chinese circles opinion, that was not likely to be in Chungking but the report the case. was received with mixed feel- irigs.

A "PUPPET” TALKS

“MAYOR"." FU OF SHANGHAI AND HIS IDEAS

SHANGHAI, Mar: 15 (Router)}----- Fu Slao-en, Mayor of the "Pag- pet" City Government of Greater Shanghai, emphatically denied to Renter today that he was resign- ing his post to join the now Wang, Ching-wet regime.

It had been suggested, he 'sald;' that, he should take a ministerial post with the new Government, but he preferred to carry 'an Im his present job.

MAJOR STEP

He expressed the opinion that if the main problems confronting Shanghai should be cleared up, that would be a major step. to- wards "reconstructing Central and North China.

Regarding the Shanghai Out- side roads question, 'Fu voiced optimism. Now that an agreement thought it would be possible to had been reached on policing, he smooth out the other differences between the Municipal Counci and the City Government.

In his view, all rates and taxes Asked whether the Chung- for the Outside Road Areas should king Government leaders at-

be collected by the City Govern- tached much importance to

ment and used solely for the the Wang Ching-wel move- maintenance and improvement of ment. Sir Stafford Cripps re- these districts. However, plied that they did not,

agreement on the collection of Answering a question as to whe-taxes had yet been reached,, he

The Chinese generally welcome the news of the peace agreement, since it is believed here that a peaceful settlement of the Soviet- Finnish conflict will lessen the danger of Russian involvement in ther he thought peace with Japan added. a European war and ease her an-had entered the minds of the xlety on the Western front thereby Chungking leaders. Sir Stafford enabling her to give more atten-Cripps said: "They think that can tion in the Far East.

be adequately made when Japan

Ja

no

VICE DENS Concerning gambling and opium deny in the Outside Roads, P commented that orders Had been. given for the closure of such places by Mar. 10 and reports were

contemplated. He

from

On the other hand, it is said that gets out of China." much will depend on the terms of

HELP FOR CHINA the agreement.

Asked whether greater and even being awaited before further steps If they do not affect the inde- open help would be made to China pendence and sovereign rights of by the European Democracies in that he had issued licences to these

were

denied. Finland, it is stated. China wel- the event of an early liquidation dens or that the City Government comes such a settlement. If the of the European war, Sir Stafford had received any revenue terms, however, mean the surren- Cripps expressed the opinion that them: LONDON Mar, 13 (B.W.S.) The

der of Finland there is anxiety help would be forthcoming in a Times, wr ting on "Finland's

Continued from Page 1 here lest the case establishes a greater degree, but he did not be- choice," say: "Finland herself must be the first judge on whe-broadcast

Immediately after M. Tanner's dangerous precedent for the future. Hieve it would be open in the sense Europe, he said: "It is too well ad¬

Dags the conditions are half-mast on all public buildings A further message from Stock- ther in fact

Aside from any interpretations that troops would be sent to advertised to be successful." FINNISH COMMUNIQUE

of the situation from aspects of China. holm states that the Finnish compatible with freedom HELSINGFORS, Mar. 13 (Reu-Legation there informed Reuter security.

NO CONFIRMATION

China's interests, it is pointed out teri-A Finnish communique states at 7.15 pm, yesterday: "We have.

"It is not the time yet to ap-Reuter's diplomatie correspondant Soviet and German diplomacy.

"LONDON, Mar. 13

that peace cannot be anything (Reuter) that the enemy succeeded in ac- so far, no information that the praise the larger implication of learns that up to 11 am, B.S.T. to-

else than an important victory for vancing a little on Monday on the Soviet terms have been accepted their acceptance. What is all im- day the Finnish Legation in Lon- northwest shore of the Bay of V-by the Finns or that the negotia-portant is that the decision should don was entirely without confir-

It is feared that the events of borg. The Russian attacks east tions have been concluded.

Austria, have been made to appear harsh.mation of the reports of a Finnish-smaller countries to be sceptical of Czechoslovakia. Poland of Viborg were repulsed, except in

bat actually it is a statement of Soviet peace treaty having been

and now. Finland will lead the the direction of Pali. where the

inevitable facts. fighting continues.

assurances from the Allies as be- ing effective and not forthcoming despite their assurances and state- ments that they are fighting for the smaller nations and resisting aggression.

Enemy attempts to advance on the ice to Vuoksen were repulsed.!

The Finnish Air Force bombed enemy troops, artillery and tank! columns.

shot down.

According to a London mes- sage, the Finnish Radio stated at 7.45 p.m. yesterday that the rumours of a peace agreement between Russia and Finland were unfounded.

A message from Helsingfors states that the Russians are ready

source there.

I!

and

"Should the Finnish Farlament

gned in Moscow accept the terms which leave their from

The last Information received country a helpless prey to Soviet night, was to the effect that nego- Helsingfors, during the Russia there can be no certainty tiations were continuing in Mos- of its future."

The preceding comment is con-

cow.

Finnish circles expressed doubts

Sovlet planes, bombed several, to make concessions concerning cerned with the political issues but that the terms broadcast by the places and two people were killed, Petsamo, according to information the general feeling of the public Moscow Radio had been agreed to while fifteen enemy planes were from an usually well-informed in the face of the dramatic events by the Finnish delegation and re- of such serious import to the Fin-garded the Russian broadcast as nish people is perhaps best expresa premature claim. sed by the Manchester Guardian. "The Finns have maintained a most vallant struggle' against an overwhelming force and their courage and prowess will never be forgotten,

ARMY ESTIMATES

INTRODUCED BY

WAR MINISTER

LONDON, "Mar. 13 (Reuter)-In introducing the Army Estimates in the House of Commons yesterday, Mr. Oliver Stanley, War Min- ister said it would, be improper and undesirable for him to attempt to forecast in war, as his predecessors did in peace, what task the British Army might be called upon to fulfil in the future.

Whatever it might be called upon to face, he said, the Army had not yet been subjected to the same intensive test as the Navy and A Force.

&

d

SECRET MEETING STOCKHOLM, Mar. 13 (Renter) -It is understood that a further secret meeting of the Finnish Par- Hament will be taking place to- day.

PRESS COMMENT

Continued from Page 1

*The safety "of the north-west frontier of the Soviet Union and Leningrad has been guaranteed.

"When hostilities at the front orase today the Soviet people will be Alled with tremendous satis. taction.

FEELING IN SWEDEN STOCKHOLM, Mar, 13 (Reuter) -Popular feeling In Sweden ap pears to be more concerned with the fact that war has been avoid-

the future. ed than with the implications for

FREEDOM BEST NURSERY They have taught the Russians

Finland's Anal decision. on the "The treaty wifi create lasting the lesson the Greeks taught the peace terms will probably be pub-peaceful relations between the Persians-that freedom

lished in the course of today. *-

two countries.” 15, the best nursery of brave and self-

The Finnish Parliament was still respecting states. At a moment in session at 3 am. 'debating the when the spirit of

peace terms. man 18 threatened by an overwhelming '11 AM. ABMISTICE catastrophe, and freedom is fight- HELSINGFORS, Mar. 13 (Reuter) ing for. Its life, it is impossible to Confirmation from the Finnish measure the value of that spectacle side of the Moscow announcement as an inspiring example.

of peace with Finland came this "Future civilisation is dark and morning in a 20-minute broadcast bladet writes: uncertain but the heroism of the by the Foreign Minister. M. Tan-contempt of the world for her The newspaper Svenska Dag-

Finns will never be forgotten. I ner.

To escape the that heroism has not saved a small!

W

After recalling how the idea of Turning to the Army at home, Continental Army had been Mr. Stanley said that in the and bitterly opposed in Britain, Mr. aircraft units thousands of men Stanley said that the nature of were moved out even before the people from terms of peace that tion at 11 am at which hour all The armistice came into opera events which led up to Munich declaration of war, to war stations will cripple its independence it fighting ceased. showed some of them that if a where they had been ever since. will be a disaster to manhood. conflict were not absolutely inevit- Mr. Stanley proceeded to

Some newspapers announce the say "But the gratitude Finland had "foreign radio reports" of the con- able it was dangerously near. that the country appreciated what earned from all freedom loving clusion of peace but the news "was they had already received, and people, will not be extinguished by given merely as a report" in the Mr. Stanley referred to the would continue to receive very her misfortune." decision taken last year to equip valuable asaistance from the Army on a Continental scale.| Dominions, India and the Colonies.

""The B.E.F.," he added, "is - in) · France and the wisdom of the de- cision to send it there is not ques- tloned by anyone."

WISE DECISION

+

of

the

About 200,000 volunteers had been enlisted since the begin- ning of the war. They hoped to provide the skilled men ́needed, for the Army's expan- sion without having to call on the skilled men so urgently needed in civilian life.

ALLOWANCE SCHEME

take a more positive form and a War, Sweden's policy must now passive attitude to the Finnish

defensive military alliance must be concluded with Finland to guarantee the present pact."

CONSTERNATION absence of an official statement. STOCKHOLM, Mar. 13 (Reuter

It is pointed out that even if Tanner's frank references to NO SURPRISE IN the delegation has power to sign the role of Norway, and Sweden In

FRANCE

a pact with Russia such an agree-the failure of Finland's struggle ment would make vital changes caused something like consterna- PARIS, Mar. 13 (Reuter)-The in the country and, necessitates tion here. announcement of the Finnish ratification by the Finnish Parlia- peace terms did not surprise off-ment cial circles.

Mr. Stanley added that it w

The possibility of Sweden' gua- well to bear in mind that whereas,

ranteeing what remains of Fin-| Finnish law requires such ratin-land is apparently removed by a a general decision to rearm was

It is stated that the terms are cation to be passed by a majority provision in the peace agreement taken by this country in 1938, the

less harsh than was feared and of five-sixtha decision to equip the Army on the

that neither party may enter into that the Allies could claim that with present scale

an agreement with a third Power. masses

their attitude probably has been modern equipment and ammuni-

Mr. Stanley announced various an important factor in modera- tion which modern warfare neces-improvements in the scheme for ting the Russian terms. sitated was only taken a year ago.

The expansion of the British Expeditionary Force in FranCS continued, he said, and the number of British troops in France today was about dou- ble what they had in October. 'Every day saw some increase In their strength.

dependents" allowances in order to|==

meet criticisms and also said that apply equally to the Navy, Marines he had decided to substitute for and Air Force. the term "unmarried wife" the words suggested by the Archbishop of Canterbury "anmarried de- pendent living as a wife,"

The general changes in the de- pendents allowances scheme would

Mr. Stanley concluded by ex- pressing confidence that the sons of those who were, vio- torions twenty-five years ago would repeat their father' triomphy and added: "It b for us to avoid our mistakes.”

DUTCH NAVAL MISSION

C. E. Clarke, British subject, re- aiding at No. 17, Homuntin Hill, was summoned before Mr. B. G. Sheldon at the Central Court yes. terday for a breach of the Regis tration of Persons Regulations. THE HAGUE. Mar, 13 (Reuters The defendant was stated to haveThe naval mission has returned moved from Knutsford Hotel to from Italy where it has been negh- his present address without noti- tiating in connexion with the pur- fying the authorities. A fine of chase of arms and will report to $5. was imposed."

the Government.

Bir Stafford Cripps also: stated TOO WELL ADVÈRTISED that he did not think peace be---- Asked to express an opinion of tween Finland and Russia would the visit of Mr. Sumner Welles to lead to a general peace in Europe.

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