Evening star., 1944-08-02
Russian /! Assurances
Believed 6ivenione
Finnish President
b the Associated fress.

Finnish President
b the Associated fress. Il
STOCKHOLM, Aug. Mar
shal Baron Mannerheim, Fin
lands new President, was be-
lieved today to have received
Russian assurances that Moscow
is prepared to consider 4 new
Finnish application for armistice
which would guarantee Finland's
independence.
It was learned reliably that, the
assurances were given the 77-year-
old Finnish commander in chief
even before he assumed the presi-
dency from the resigned prof. Ger
man, Risto Ryti.
A sources whose information on
events in Finland usually has proved
up to the minute expressed belief
that contact was made with Mos
COW probably more than a week
ago through Swedish intermedia-
ries.
1T is my impression that the
Russians said they were willing to
consider new application for an
armistice and still were prepared to
respect Finland's independence" he
said.
Some 'Nazi Trseps Leaving.
IT imagine Moscow set rs re-
duirement that Finland declare her
willingness to capitulate, after
which the Russians would be will
ing to receive a delegation to dis
cuss what this would mean in prac-
tice."
Some German troops were re-
ported leaving Finland and
usually reliable Stockholm in
formant commented that this de-
yelopment was mot unlikely"
The naming Of Marshal Manner
helm to the presidency was be-
lieved to have been war-weary Fin
lands first step toward the forma-
ton Of a peace government"
Firms in Stockholm predicted res
ienation next Of Premier Edwin
Linkomies and his cabinet, leaving
Marshal Mannerheim free to call a
new leader to form a peace seeking
cabinet.
Vuori Mentioned rs Premier.
They mentioned Zero Vuori, head
Of the trade unions. as the likely
new premier, pointing out he would
give the cabinet a radical tendency
which the Firms feel is necessary in
dealing with the Russians. Vuori
has been an ardent peace advocate
ever since contact first was estab-
lished with Moscow last March, and
recently he has been leading an at
tack on Ryti and Linkomies.
: Ryti's resignation in effect cancels
his pact with Germany in which he
promised that Finland would not
make separate peace. The pact
depended solely on Ryti's signature
because Parliament was not con-
suited. ..~
Among the Firms In Stockholm a
major question arose as to how the
Germans would react to the govern
mental change which occurred last
night. They wondered whether Hit
Ter would attempt complete military
occupation of Finland.
CThe London radio said the
Germans have sent the Firms less
military help than Nazi Foreign
Minister Joachim Won Ribbentrop
promised, and that as a result
the Firms do not feel themselves
bound by Ryti's pledge not to
make \ separate peace. The
broadcast was recorded by CBS)
Special Decree Adopted.
Marshal Mannerheim was named
to the presidency after Parliament
adopted 4 special decree legalizing
his succession without an election,
ohdcial announcements in Helsinki
stated Before he takes over ON
cially for six-year-term, Parlia-
ment must observe the formality of
confirming the selection Friday. In
the interim Linkomies must dis
charge the duties of President.
Although he has been pictured in
some dispatches as German.
the general reputation of the new
President is that of a realistic, pa
triotic Finn who wants to do the
best he can for his country. Vari-
Gus dispatches have portrayed him
as highly acceptable to Moscow as
peace leader.
British officials last night took q
restrained optimistic view of the
Finnish Government reshuf1le. Ex-
planning that the attitude was re-
strained because the Firms have
acted disappointingly SO 81 many
times In the past" spokesman in
London added: "Yet this might be a
real grasp for the peace cherry in
stead of another nibble." -.
German propagandists professed