Evening star., 1939-12-29
Europe's Wars DAY by Day
ProIoneotion Of Russo Finn Conflict Raises
Chance of Swede- Norwegian Intervention

troops. leaves no doubt as TO the
sympathies of the general publics.
The main fear of Sweden and
Norway is that any support, even
unofficial given to Finland may
draw fire from Germany A Ger
man foreign Office spokesman has
charged England and France with
melting Finland to resist Russia, so
to cut off the NaZi supplies from
Northern Europe Germany gets
many essentials. especially the all
important iron ore. from Sweden.
However, should Germany re-
taliate by striking at the Scandi-
navian countries, they automatically
would become allies of the Anglo
French brotherhood. AS such they
would receive the full support OF
England and France.
While there has been no official
intimation, one is entitled to suspect
that matter of such vital impor-
tance must have been discussed be-
tween the Anglo-French team and
the Scandinavian countries. One
would further think that it would
suit the plans of Britain and France
admirably to have Sweden and Nor
way give their full support to Fin
land, since any contingency which
keeps the Communists from serv-
ing Germany. and cuts that nation
off from northern supplies, is all to
the good from the Anglo-French
standpoint.
Trade Agreement Significant.
It is at least an interesting COIN
cidence, and might be regarded as
having special significance, that Bri-
tain and Sweden have just signed
a war trade agreement. This is de-
signed to adapt Anglo trade
to wartime conditions, to maintain
trade at a normal level.
Should Sweden and Norway be
drawn into the war, it will be the
first rupture of peace for either in
more than 100 years-since the Ma
poleonic wars.
The Swedish Army was strength
ened in mid-December, when 10000
men were called up for duty. This
brought the force under arms up to
about 10000. Official figures are
lacking, but Norway's army is be-
lieved to be in about the same
state of strength.
Aid of all sorts is being sent to
Finland by many countries and VOL
unteer fighters are drifting in from
the four points of the compass. They
are coming at an opportune mo-
ment for the Firms, as the Russians
are said to be rushing 100000 picked
troops to assist the Red Army
already invading Finland and are
putting their youthful military hero
Gen. Gregory Stern in command
Of the operations.
More Aid Is Promised.
Airplanes and other military sup
plies have been hurried by air by
the Anglo French allies and more
aid is promised. In addition to fur
nishing so fighting planes, Italy is
said to have provided mechanics
and flying instructors unof11cially
Guns and other necessities are un-
derstood to be moving from Sweden
Oslo reports the formation of q
"Nordic division" of Scandinavian
volunteers who will join the Firms,
Norway also has contributed close
to 81 900 900 in cash to Finland, and
the contributions are still coming in
strong.
An unconfirmed report from Fin
land has 1000 Italian volunteers
arrived to fight against Russia. If
that proves to be true it won't be
strange, despite the affiliation. be-
tween Rome and Berlin. Mussolini
never has abandoned his hatred Of
bolshevism. Just as italian "volun-
teers" fought in the Spanish civil
war, so presumably they will be
found now wherever they may be
needed to stem the bolshevist thrust
for power in Europe.