Evening star., 1939-12-12
Films Negotiate
For Big Orders
Of Arms in u. 5.
Planes May Be
Delivered Soon:
Envoy Confers

Finland. battling desperately
against the Russian invaders, has
opened negotiations for the pur-
chase in this country of a large
quantity of war supplies. including
airplanes, guns and ammunition, it
was learned today.
Hjalmar Procope, the Finnish
Minister, visited the War Depart
ment this morning and conferred
with Assistant Secretary of War
Louis johnson, presumably on the
supplies his country wishes to buy.
The War Department maintains
close check to see that foreign Or
ders do not interfere with de-
mestic orders for the expanding
Army
While official comment was lack
ing, it was indicated that some of
the orders might be filled promptly
despite the large volume of busi-
ness the British French German
war has brought to American manu-
facturers.
The Finnish government, is was
learned, IS trying to make arrange
nentS with American plane manu-
facturers for immediate delivery of
war planes. In plane strength the
Russians have a tremendous su-
periority over the Firms. 1t was
indicated that plane manufacturers
have so speeded up production that
Finnish orders possibly can be ac-
cepted and filled within compara-
lively short time.
Firms Have Cash Balances.
Finland has substantial cash bal
ances in this country with which
to purchase supplies. it was said.
Among supplies desired for imme-
diate delivery are gas masks for ci-
villains and troops not on front-line
duty. 1t was indicated that such
orders would be expedited.
Meanwhile, it was pointed out
here that rigid policy barriers but
no statutory obstacles stand in the
way of Finland obtaining loans for
military purposes from lending
agencies Of the United States Gov
ernment.
Granted credit yesterday of $10,-
100000 for the purchase of surplus
foodstuffs and other articles for
civilian purposes, the Finnish gov
ernment has been reported as anx-
ious to obtain further credit in this
country for the military orders.
The Export-Import Bank, which
is acting jointly with the Recon-
struction Finance Corp. in extern
sion of the $l0.O0000O loan, ex-
planned that while there is Moth
ing in the statute under which
they operate that prohibits loans
which might be utilized directly for
military purposes. they have adopted
a very rigid policy of confining such
transactions to materials for CT
william use only.
No Relaxation Seen.
In this connection it was ex-
planned by Warren Lee Pierson.
head of the bank. that the list of
military articles used by the State
Department in issuing its export IL
censes is applied as guide. The
oank board of II trustees always has
been in approval of this policy, Mr..
Pierson said, and little likelihood
of its relaxation is foreseen. 1t was
followed, he added. in a recent loan
of S25 900 900 to China.
Actually, he said, there has been
no formal application from Finnish
interests for military loan through
the bank. The transaction an
nounced yesterday was negotiated
prior to the outbreak of hostilities
between Finland and the Soviet, Mr..
Pierson said, the Finnish request
not extending to military needs.
In event a state of war should
(See FINNISH AID. Page A-4)