Evening star., 1939-12-03
Behind the Lines

Europe's second war of this eventful
autumn had its inception in Communist
application of power politics, diplomacy
of might.
Diverting energies from hitherto un-
successful strategy of theological infil-
tration to more conventional European
formula of military threats and aggres-
sion, Soviet government began develop
ing Finnish crisis early in October.
Already having killed with kindness Of
mutual assistance pacts tiny republics
of Estonia. Latvia Lithuania, big bad
wolf of Moscow" invited Finland into
similar one-way alliance in early Oc-
tober.
Proudly and courageously, Finnish
delegation visited Kremlin, withstood
personal demands of Stain, big red, for
surrender of strategically located Baltic
bases and mainland territories adjacent
to Leningrad. On November 13, after
several efforts and several compromises,
Finnish negotiators were recalled to Hell
sinki-signal for outburst of journalistic
fury by Soviet press and radio.
One week ago came incident" in
familiar pattern of mysterious frontier
shootings, f ! | ow e
Russion within few hours by
Utimotun Soviet ultimatum that
Finland withdraw bor-
der garrisons, allegedly responsible for
"abominable act of attack" distance of
II to 16 miles from Russian frontier.
Significantly, distance mentioned would
have been sufficient to leave Finnish
frontier Notifications at complete mercy
Of Soviet aggression.
Spiritedly, Helsinki government denied
provocative acts at frontier; more delib-
erately prepared cautious refusal to ac-
cede to Soviet ultimatum proposed as
alternative that armed forces of both
nations fall back. MoscoW's answer was
denunciation. on Tuesday, of seven year.
old aggression pact between Baltic
neighbors; severance, on Wednesday, of
diplomatic relations.
Implicit in announcement of latter step
by Foreign Commissar Molotoff was de-
mand that Firms repudiate government
headed by Premier Cajander, Influenced
strongly by Foreign Minister Erkko.
On Thursday war came to Finland
by air, sea and land-stirring revulsion
of world against Soviet.
Finn Cabinet Hours later, their capi-
Resions tai city blazing and their
nations independent ex-
istence tottering, Cajander cabinet re-
signed, was replaced by one at first con-
sidered less Objectionable to Kremlin,
but which speedily placed itself on record
as mot afraid and determined never
to barter away the right to decide our
own affairs"
THE government resigned" Hjalmar
Procope, Finn Minister here, told re-
porters, "in order to create the possibill-
ties of cooperation of all groups in
Finland in order to handle and settle
the present conflict with Russia"
He described as "puppet" government
that set up in Terijoki, place occupied
by the Russian Army since the outbreak
Of hostilities with Finland.
"The appointment of this Communist
government is very significant. 1t shows
the value and the real meaning of
the statements of Mr.. Molotof and other
Russian leaders that the aim of the ac-.
ton against Finland is to insure its in
dependence and interior freedom. This
communication shows that they intend
for Finland the incorporation in the
Soviet Union and the Bolshevik free
DOM"
Like ever widening concentric waves
Of alarm, small nations of North and
South Europe viewed Finnish mis-
fortunes with increasing alarm. Fearing
both Russia and Germany, Scandinavian
governments of Sweden Norway and
Denmark conferred anXiously in their
capitals, checked their own defenses, ex-
pressed their sympathies, attempted to
shield selves in so far as possible by
making no unneutral gesture.
Even in Balkans there was deepened
worry, as rich but relatively poWerless
Rumania sensed likelihood of Soviet ag-
gressions being directed next at oil
soaked BeSsarabia