Butler was quicker than many to realise the social change which war would bring. He spoke to Robert Barrington-Ward of "The Times" (12 February 1940) of "the new social revolution that is making its way, and how to anticipate and meet it." Maisky proposed (22 February) Butler as an intermediary in the Russo-Finnish War. Channon was opposed to this, thinking it would be seen as another Munich. Butler opposed (12 March) the government's plans to send an expeditionary force to Finland if talks with Soviets broke down.