Evening star., 1940-03-01
Swedish Leaders
Appeal 10 U. 5.
For Aid 10 Finland
Scandinavian Foundation
Says There Is Greet
Danger in Delay

~sSSN
Danger in Delay
An urgent appeal to intellectual
leaders Of this country to aid Fin
land "in every way possible" was
made public by the American Scan
dinavian Foundation of New York
today on behalf of a distinguished
group of scholars and intellectual
leaders of Sweden.
The plea, designated as an zap
peal from Sweden for Finland u
said:
''It is q nation of intimate spir-
itual kinship to your own for which
we appeal for support. The peoples
OF Northern Europe have given
much Of their blood to the Amer
ican body polite and have contrib
uted in the fashioning of your
democratic ideas and ideals. For
a thousand years the peoples OF
Finland and Sweden have stood side
by side as the northern outpost of
western civilization against the des-
potism of the east. Finland has
produced many prominent scholars,
scientists, artists and writer's. Its
athletes have won worldwide re-
noWn. Under an altogether demo-
cratic system, built upon the prin-
ciple of liberty. governed by law,
there has grown up sound and
virile people, occupying happy If
modest homes, until overwhelmed
by the present catastrophe.
Shield Is Untarnished.
"Finland's shield is untarnished.
Without the slightest provocation,
with a barefaced lie as an excuse,
the Soviet dictators ruthlessly threw
their hordes against peaceful little
neighbor. Never has a cause been
clearer; never has a nation fought
a more just war of defense than
Finland is waging against the
rapacious Russian giant. This is a
struggle of life and death for the
people of Finland and all of North
ern Europe. To be incorporated in
Soviet Russias living space" signi-
fles not only the loss of freedom
and independence for a conquered
state. 1t means a complete annihi-
lation and determination of it's
spiritual and political leaders and
the guardians of it's entire social
organization. For large masses OF
the people it means deportation and
exile, living under terror, or death.
For a conquered people the Soviet
living space represents the grave
yard of national culture, the cham
ber of death itself. Finland's de-
fense against Soviet aggression in
wolves more than the fate of its
brave little people, more even than
the continued existence of Finland
and Scandinavia. Finland is fight
ing for an order of human justice
against barbaric violence; for every
thing enduring and valuable in the
cultural development of the world.
and for what forces shall be the
determinants of the further de-
sS1OPAAASllC w IlUIlldlllly.
I'VE are fully aware that the
overwhelming majority of the citi-
zens of the. United States have
strongly condemned the unprovoked
attack upon Finland and that her
superlative efforts are being fol-
lowed with the deepest understand
ing and sympathy. We are also
cognizant of the first steps toward
assistance which have already been
taken. We direct this appeal only
to arouse your people to a full
understanding that in this instance
there Is great danger in delay.
Through miracles of bravery, en-
durance and self sacrifice Finland's
heroes have hitherto been able to
prevail against tremendous odds.
But steadily and relentlessly the
Soviet leaders are massing fresh
forces against the Finnish fronts.
while whole fleets of bombers daily
scatter death and destruction over
the peaceful and unprotected coun-
tryslde. Women and children are
exposed to murderous persecution.
The blood of the innocent cries to
the heavens. Speedy help is i'm
peratlve. The Swedish people are
doing and intend to do all in their
power to assist their Finnish sister
people. Finland's cause is ours! All
Scandinavia, several of the other
European countries and both of the
Americas are giving material as
slstance and many volunteers are
assembling under Finland's banners.
Are Sorely Encountered.
"All the peoples of Europe, how
ever, are sorely encumbered by the
war among the great powers, which
is also in progress. In order that
Finland may be saved from extinc-
ton and may achieve a fair and
secure peace it is essential, accord
Ing to our view, that the people of
the United States put all the weight
OF which it disposes as a neutral
great power into the balance for
Finland's just cause.
I'm one lightning flash the drama
OF Finlandis struggle against bar
barism and anarchy has revealed to
the world where the most serious
threat to western civilization is to
be found and how the most profound
elements of our whole Christian
culture are imperiled. Conflicts over
economic interests pale into insig-
nificance in comparison with this
battle between justice and violence.
The Firms have ventured all possess
sions and honor, life and blood, in
their firm belief in the final triumph
Of justice and mercy over force and
hate. For the moral health of the
whole world it is essential that their
faith be sustained.
"Copious testimony gives evidence
to the fact that all peoples of Europe
and the Americas are deeply touched
I,x, IL l,,r4;o .%oxl