Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-10-19
Briitish-F finnish Breach
Most Tragic of War

AV4OON A5A~ IA W "a
HE deterioration OF Finnish British relations has proceeded
steadily since the outbreak of Russo-German hosulltes
until the present relationship between the two countries
amounts O open conflict
tragic and deporabe developments in the current war
Finland is one the smallest but also of the most
cessfu and efficient democratic states IN the world
The Finnish nation maintained its international relation
ships consistent and conspicuous high plane
1t has nfnged on the rights of other peoples or the
territories of other nations.
It has never committed aggresons against its neighbours
coveted their possessions sought to impose its will its politics
has been consderate of its own people has accorded them
democratic liberties akin those enjoyed in the United States
and established institutions essential to the enjoyment of
such liberties.
HE only menace to the Finnish nation prior to the present
moment has been that of attack and aggression by its
closest neighbor-the powerful ruthless, acqusve Rus
Now however inoffensve and mitarly weak Finland is
confronted by another great menace
AS the accompanying article this dlscoes the gov
eminent Britain has demanded of Finland that it
its resistance to aggressons by Russia.
Brain has effect and in fact called such resistance to
aggression of aggression in itself and has said that if
Finland persists fighting for its life against Russia not only
forfeit the friendship of Britain but must be regarded
an open enemy" of Britain
This violation Of all previously conceived moral and
political standards in Great Britain.
When the present Russian aggressions against Finland
began the British government and people denounced them ana
rightly said they contradiction of international morality
and justice.
ONCE the character of the Russian aggressions has not
- changed, it is obviously Britain which has changed
Unquestonaby it is utter realism for Britain to regard
HE Russian with Germany being to her advantage
But within the legitimate scope of opportunist realism
for Britain absove Russia of all her previous and continuing
crimes against humanity?
What virtue attaches to plundeng and piaging simply
because the pundee and page has become ally of Britain
What Britain to Finland other
country despoed by Red Russia that deSpoaon will be
recompensed future despoliation averted?
What treaty has Soviet Russia made that other nations
party to it could rely upon?
What international obligation has Russia accepted that
has been fulfilled in good faith?
Finland past had poestatons of good intention
from Russia, and has rued reliance upon them.
THE United States has made solemn engagements with
Russia and has had them ccumvened and houted to the
- derment and injury of the American people
Britain has had fixed understandings with Russia in
the past and has rued them.
So now, although forfeiture of British friendship is
arbitrarily made the price thereof Finland be blamed for
refusal abandon resistance to the fghtfu peril which Red
Russian aggression represents her frontiers?
Britain says Finland may advance to her borders but
farther
Britain thus in effect says that the present of Russia
ally entities her to maintain the juggernau Fnands
borders awaiting the time and opportunity to destroy Finland
Great Britain should not sacrifice everything apparent
realism.
She has previously perceived and acknowledged great
injustice of Russas uprovoked and aggresson
against Finland.