Evening star., 1947-12-27

two hectic post war years despite threatened
imitation, acute shortages, high prices and the
pressure of Soviet demands. The elections to
be held in the spring will be the test OF his
position.
That the Communists are losing hold OF
the electorate was shown in the recent NUM-
cipal elections in which they met with serious
reverses in the country as well as in the
large cities. Hence they are trying to tighten
their grip on the administration before the
general election next spring. M. Yrjo Leino,
the Communist Minister of the Interior and
supreme head of the powerful State Police, is
perhaps the most energetic figure in an other
wise colorless cabinet. His wife. Nine. Herta
Kuusinew, Is the daughter of the head of the
Karelan Soviet Republic.
Disproportionate Red Influence.
Considering their numerical weakness, the
Communists influence in public affairs has
been remarkable They have AZ deputies in
Parliament, voted by 41,000 people. The
Socialists have so deputies, the parties of the
Right. 101. Seven ex-Socialists are supporting
the Communists.
Life in Finland Is outwardly calm and nor
mal but underneath there are strong currents
of dissatisfaction over the Russian demands,
which overshadow the whole life Of the people.
The Films must pay over 500 million dollars in
the form OF goods over a period of years.
Delays even when caused by American dock
strikes or acts of God, are penalized at the
rate of so interest month.
To fulfill their huge export program of
which Britain absorbs Is per cent and the
u. S. A. II per cent, they have to accept all
sorts of "ersatz" materials for their home mar
ket. Most of their foreign earnings are turned
into raw materials, to produce more goods for
Russia. Even books are regarded as non
essential, and there Is great shortage Of for
eign publications. The Firms drink unsweetened
tea Of home grown herbs, have a choice be-
tween two kinds Of coffee substitutes, are re-
stricted to seven cigarettes day (nonsmokers
get two Jumps Of sugar unsteady and have only
memories of most other little daily luxuries.
AS timber is the only abundant raw material.
they have to replace linen, leather, wool and
cotton with paper and artificial silk materials.
Sugar, yeast brandy and many other things are
produced from the homegrown wood. Yet they
have to freeze in their homes as firewood is
rationed strictly. Only the numerous saunas, or
steam baths, are kept well supplied
The middle classes suffer most, as is shown
by comparative earnings university profess
sor gets about 1850 a year, whilst factory
worker earns $500. Socialization has made
little progress, however, since the government
has admitted that private enterprise produces
more and faster than state-controled factories
The naturalization of industry therefore has
been shelved, in spite of urgent Communist
demands. Wages and prices remain controlled,
but it is becoming increasingly difficult to stem
the inflationary tendency caused by the short
age of consumer goods.
Yet undeterred by these dismal conditions,
the Firms are pushing on with the recon-
struction of their war-ravaged cities and are
steadily increasing industrial output If Fin
land can get over the next five years. which
experts say will be possible only with generous
assistance from the West, she may be able to
free herself of the strangling war debts and
emerge as one of the most progressive countries
of the Old World.
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