Evening star., 1940-01-13

Notwithstanding the fact that Japan
is a power with which America Is
at peace. The loan is for materials
which may or may not find their
way into the war operations.
So it is with Finland The Amer
lean Congress wants to see financial
aid extended to the heroic nation
In the Baltic which has made such
a gallant fight against great odds.
But what will Russia do about it?
Will there be complications? If so,
and there is ultimate involvement,
who will be responsible-the Repub-
lican or Democratic party in Con-
gress, or President Roosevelt?
AS test of everybody's sincerity
in the matter, the President pro-
posed that the Republican and
Democratic leaders in Congress get
together and agree on a program
of aid The Republicans feel that
all the power necessary to survey
Finland's needs and make recon-
mendations exists now in the De
partment of State, and that until
definite program is laid before Con-
gress, nothing much can be done.
Debt Limit in Picture.
This, of course, is delicate way
of avoiding the taking of the initia-
tive which the President was anxious
to transfer to Congress. Also nova
days the debt limit of S45,0OO 0OO,-
600 makes every appropriation vital,
and to use up money for Finland
that might increase the debt stirs
up controversy. If the leaders can
agree to let the $6O,OO0O 900 be con-
sidered outside the debt range, or
If the administration can be per-
suaded to use funds out of some
existing revolving fund, there might
be a different story to tell.
Few things that have happened
since, the present European war
broke out are more astonishing
than the unneutral statements
being made in Congress concern
ing the Finnish-Russian conflict.
Members are outspoken in their
sympathy and they indicate that
they would like to help Finland in
any way possible that would not
involve Americas neutrality.
Transcends Politics.
There really is no politics in it,
because the vote of Finnish -Ameri-
can citizens in the Northwest is
relatively small and has never been
particularly affiliated with either
party. There are, of course, mil
lions of Swedes and Norwegians
and Danes in the Northwest who
are as much aroused as are the
Firms over what is happening in
the Baltic. Both political parties
here would like to do what can be
done to satisfy this Scandinavian
sentiment, but the truth is the
sympathy for Finland transcends
the boundaries of those States
where Observation-Disclosures re-
side Members of Congress say it
is Nationwide.
Part of the sentiment, of course,
is not so much pro-Finland as it
is anti-Russian. The anti-com-
munistic tide is running high these
days and it would not be surprising
If the President found it desirable
soon to break off diplomatic re-
'lations with the Moscow govern
ment. The City of Flint episode
has left deep scar here, and the
unwarranted attack on Finland has
further estranged American opinion.
No Jeopardy to Peace Wanted.
The White House, on the other
hand, is eager to take no step that
might compromise future negotia-
tionS for peace, or rather America S
mediation for peace. This is one
reason why if anything is to be
done to aid Finland, the President
would prefer to have both parties
IN Congress and the Executive get
together on a united program OF
help.
Financial aid is unquestionably
the most important thing on the
program apart from assistance to
those in distress, which is being
handled by the Red Cross anc
relief agencies. There is a sizeable
sentiment in Congress in favor OF
cancelling the existing debt which
Finland incurred in the last wal
and on which she paid her INSTALL
ments regularly, Notwithstanding
defaults by the other members Of
the allied power group in the
World War. The cancellation is
intended to be a way of making
known to the world America 's
respect for nations which make g
genuine effort to pay their debts, as
well as a demonstration of un.
selfishness. 1t may be predicted
that the debt will be Cancelled ant
In the end some form of f1nancia
aid to Finland will be granted
though at the moment the politica,
eparring might seem to be delay.
ing the consummation of any
program.
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