Pacific News-Review

November 16; The dispute between Russia and Finland regarding territorial adjustments continues. Finland still in sists that she will not surrender to the Soviet demands. The Soviet appears to hesitate to put too great pressure on Finland, owing to the danger of an in ternational explosion.

November 20: A flood of reports, most ly of an unreliable character, but im pressive in their volume, indicate rest lessness and discontent in Germany.

Ever since the Munich bomb incident, the secret police have been arresting, all over the Reich, persons suspected of Monarchist sympathies, and there is evid ence that Hitler fears a Monarchist plot.

There is also evidence that a revolu tionary spirit is growing among the Czechs —there have been serious out breaks all over Czecho-Slovakia.

November 20: The sudden destruction of the Dutch passenger steamer “Simon Bolivar”, and of many other ships, most ly neutral, in the English Channel, not far from the mouth of the Thames, by magnetic mines, introduced a new and startling development of the war on the sea. It was discovered that the English Channel had been very extensively mined in a manner which broke all the inter national laws governing maritime opera tions. Germany announced that she had deliberately undertaken this new phase of the war as part of her determination to destroy Britain’s seaborne commerce and to starve Britain.

November 22: Within three days about twenty ships, nearly all neutrals, had been destroyed by mines off the Eng lish coasts, with great loss of life (about 100 of the 230 passengers on the Dutch ship were drowned) but the only German comment upon this crime against neu tral shipping was “it is very sad for the neutrals”. It was soon established that countless, small, magnetic mines, of tre mendous explosive power, had been sown all around the English coasts, by mine carrying sea-planes. This was Hitler’s new “secret weapon”, of which he boast ed a few weeks ago. The new weapon has caused great destruction; but the British Admiralty announces that it is confident it can deal with the new menace.

November 20: The Rome radio an nounced that Italy would resist immedi ately any attempt to introduce Commun ism into the Balkans. This is the most forthright warning to Germany’s new partner (Russia) that has yet been is sued by Italy.

November 21: Innumerable reports re ceived through neutral countries indicate that the Germans are using the great est savagery and ruthlessness in stamp ing out the revolutionary movement in Czecho-Slovakia. The movement is most marked among the Czech students. Many hundreds of students have been arrested and deported and a selected number of their leaders—some say 70 — have been deliberately shot.

November 21: The United States has warned Japan that she views seriously the continued interference by the Japan ese army with United States nationals and trade in China.

November 22: An unofficial announce ment that Russia and Japan have agreed to negotiate a trade treaty has led to much speculation as to whether it may be a prelude to a political agreement— in which event, of course, the relation

ship of Japan with other Powers inter ested in the Pacific will be vitally af fected.

November 22: One of the war’s most important developments is contained in the announcement that Britain has de cided to seize German exports on the high seas as a reprisal for German viola tion of the international rules of sea warfare, by the * indiscriminate sowing of mines.

November 24.—Germany announces that she will meet with unrestricted mine war fare the British decision to seize German exports as a reprisal for indiscriminate mine sowing.

Although the combined effect of mag netic mines and increased U-boat activ ity is seen in a serious revival of shipping lasses, there is no dismay in Allied circles.

The shipping losses are admitted as something that has to be expected and faced. There is complete confidence that the Admiralty will deal with the new magnetic mine menace.

November 24. —The resignation of the Government of Roumania and its re placement by a new Government is an indication of the strained conditions in the Balkans, created by the mysterious position of Germany in relation to the Balkan countries, and the growing threat of a Russian thrust down through the Balkan countries towards Turkey.

Roumania faces a grave crisis. Hun gary is getting ready to put in a claim for Transylvania, which was taken from Hungary and given to Roumania after the Great War; and, similarly, it is expected that Russia, within a short time, will seize Bessarabia which, after the Great War, was taken from Russia—al though predominantly Russian in popula tion —and given to Roumania. Bulgaria is taking advantage of the situation to claim the restoration of the Dobrudja, a small area near the mouth of the Danube, which was given to Roumania in 1919.

November 26. The German liner, “Adolph Woermann,” 8,500 tons, slipped out of a port in Portuguese West Africa on November 18, and tried to make ren dezvous with the German pocket-battle ship “Admiral von Scheer.” It was chased by a British warship, whereupon the Ger man crew scuttled their vessel and took to the boats. Crew and passengers were picked up by the British.

Epic Sea Battle

November 27. The armed merchant cruiser “Rawalpindi,” 16,700 tons, a form er well-known P. & O. mail steamer, was sunk by the German pocket-battleship “Deutschland.” It was one of the most heroic episodes in British naval history.

The “Rawalpindi,” completely over whelmed and out-gunned by the enemy battleship, refused to surrender, and fought to the last, and finally was sunk by gun-fire with all her flags flying. As far as is known, only 17 out of the crew of 300 were saved.

The “Deutschland” is being ceaselessly pursued by Allied naval forces, but she is working in the far north, amid fogs and mist, where there are only a few hours of daylight, and she thus has been able to elude her pursuers.

November 28. Negotiations between Russia and Finland are still going on.

The Finns have offered to withdraw all their troops from the frontier provided

Notes And Comment On

The Progress Of The War

November 16—December 14, 1939

that Russia does the same, in the same proportion, and for the same distance.

November 28.—France, also, as reprisal for the indiscriminate sowing of mines, is seizing German exports in neutral ships on the high seas.

This joint action by Britain and France naturally has brought strong protests from neutrals—ranging from academic arguments, in the case of Holland, to sheer belligerence on the part of Japan.

Germany is doing everything possible to encourage neutrals to resist the Allies’ new economic move.

Russo-German Move Awaited

November 29. —Turkish leaders are con vinced that, within a short time, Russian and German forces will launch a big of fensive in the Balkans and the Near East.

Russia is believed to be seeking control of Central Asia and a foothold on the thres hold of India; while Germany will seek an outlet to the Mediterranean and access to oil, minerals, and foodstuffs.

Intense diplomatic activity is going on in such borderline countries as Hungary, Jugoslavia, and Bulgaria. Italy watches developments very keenly. These nations and this applies particularly to Italy— have no love for either side. They will throw in their lot with whichever coun try they believe will win. Italy hates Rus sia; but she will not, necessarily, fight Russia if Russia is really the partner of Germany, and Germany looks like being eventually able to give to Italy some of the Mediterranean territories she covets — namely, Tunisia, and perhaps a bit of Southern France.

November 30. —The hunt for the Ger man pocket-battleship “Deutschland” in the far North Atlantic is continuing.

Meanwhile, there are indications that the other German pocket-battleship, “Ad miral von Scheer,” is in the Indian or South Atlantic Ocean, and may seriously interfere with Allied shipping. It is be lieved that the German cruiser “Emden” is with the “Deutschland.”

Attack On Finland

November 30. —Russia, to-day, without warning, launched simultaneously land, air and sea attacks on Finland. Soviet troops crossed the Finnish frontier early in the morning. The Finns had had ample warning—tension had been grow ing for weeks. The Finns are excellent soldiers, and have created a first-class de fence organisation, and may hold back the Russians for some time. They, how ever, are vastly outnumbered by the Russians, and must eventually be over whelmed —unless they get substantial aid.

The Soviet declares that it has become necessary “to release the Finnish peoples from the oppression of a reactionary Government.” The Soviet has set up in Moscow a puppet Finnish Government, led by a notorious Communist, and has formally recognised this as the Govern ment of Finland, and is releasing propa ganda urging the Finnish people to rally to the puppet Government. The Finns, however, appear to be completely united behind their own Government in their determination to defend their freedom to the death.

The Scandinavian nations (Sweden, Norway and Denmark) are being urged by their peoples towards active interven tion on the side of the Finns. Intensely

strong public feeling in Italy has been shown in several anti-Russian demonstra tions. Meanwhile, the attitude of Ger many, one of complete passivity—no word, either for or against Russia, has been heard —is variously interpreted. But it is surely clear that if Germany permits Russia to invade Finland formerly a country in which German influence was paramount—it means that there is an understanding in relation to the future between Germany and Russia.

December I.—There has been a great outbreak of popular anger in the United States against Russia, and public leaders are appealing for the severence of all relations.

December 2,—The reaction in Japan has been marked. Japanese newspapers say that Russia’s attack upon Finland shows that no reliance whatever can be placed upon non-aggression pacts with Russia.

December 3. —World-wide sympathy for Finland and indignation and horror against Russia became increasingly evi dent during the week-end; 3,000 uni formed Fascists demonstrated against Russia in Rome. The only country which does not condemn Russia is Bulgaria, where the entire Press supports the Rus sian invasion. Large numbers of Scan dinavians are hurrying to Finland to enlist.

December 4.—Up to date the Finns have succeeded in holding back the Rus sian forces. There are indications that Russia is concentrating troops for a de termined advance, to get possession of Finland at the “waistline”—so that the northern and southern parts of the country will be separated.

December 5. —Finland has appealed to the League of Nations for help. The council of the League will meet in Geneva to consider the appeal on Monday, December 11.

December 4. A strong formation of British bombers carried out a raid on the German sea-base, Heligoland, and at tacked German warships there. They obtained directs hits with heavy bombs and shot down a German fighter. All the British machines returned.

December 5. —Apart from the Finnish situation there has been few outstanding events; but it is clear that the struggle on the sea for economic advantages is becoming more fierce and ruthless. In the week ended December 2, Britain lost six ships (23,000 tons) and neutrals lost six ships (31,000 tons). The shipping losses in November were one third those of September, but there are indications that at the moment, as a result of the combined German attack by magnetic mines, submarines and battleship raid ers, very severe losses of mercantile shipping are being sustained.

December 6.—The Finns are still hold ing the Russians—but it is doubtful whether this resistance can be much pro longed. Sweden, Denmark and Norway are conferring. Preparations are being made for the League of Nations meeting on the 11th. It is expected that Russia will leave the League—in which event it is thought possible that Italy and Spain may return.

December 6. —Japan has promised the United States Government that American interests will be compensated for damage done to them in China, and that every effort will be made in future to avoid damage to American interests.

December 6.—The large steamer, “Doric Star,” 10,000 tons, was sunk by a German raider (presumably the pocket-battleship “Admiral Scheer”) in the South Atlantic,

while carrying a large refrigerated cargo from Australia to Britain.

December 6.—The King is at present visiting the British Army in France.

December 6. —Much speculation aroused because a German twin-engined Heinkel, apparently out of control, crashed on the coast of Norfolk. All the crew were killed. No British fighters were in the vicinity at the time and no anti-aircraft fire was heard. It is persistently suggested that this bomber was brought down by Britain’s secret weapon, of which there have been hints. Tt has been stated, positively and officially, that Britain has some secret weapon, but the character of the thing has not been disclosed.

December 6. —A British warship cap tured a German liner of 8,000 tons in the South Atlantic, despite attempts made by the crew to scuttle her.

December 7.—Swift and heavily-armed British naval patrols, strung out from the Arctic seas right down through the Atlan tic to the fringe of the Southern Polar waters, and as far east as the Indian Ocean, are drawing a dragnet closer around the German commerce-raiders.

Snarl From Russia

December 7.—The Moscow radio has warned Italy and Sweden to keep out of the Russo-Finnish conflict. The Russians say that they will not tolerate, on the part of Italy, such interference in Fin land as occurred in Spain. “We also warn Sweden,” the radio said, “that she has no business to send detachments of so-called volunteers’ to Finland’s aid. This will gravely endanger the relations between Russia and Sweden.”

Deoember 7.—Mr.. Winston Churchill (First Lord of Admiralty) stated that the secret of the German magnetic mine was known to Britain, and counter measures against it were far advanced, long be fore the first magnetic mine appeared in British waters. The British were confi dent that they could overcome this menace. The British were equally confi dent that their method of detecting and destroying submarines would become in creasingly efficient, no matter how many submarines Germany might continue to build.

December B.—The Foreign Ministers for Norway, Sweden and Denmark, who had been in conference, stated jointly that they had agreed to do their utmost “to assist Finland, through the League of Nations, to inaugurate Russo-Finnish peace negotiations,” A radio broadcast, later, from Finland remarked, “It seems impossible for these Scandinavian coun tries to remain passive spectators of the murder of Finland.”

It is clear, however, that all the small neutral nations are afraid to take any steps to assist each other owing to the fear that they may be trampled out of existence by more powerful countries.

December 9.—After a meeting of the Fascist Grand Council in Rome, which was addressed by Mussolini, it was offici ally announced that Italy would maintain her neutrality in regard to all existing international affairs, and that the rela tions between Italy and Germany would remain as established by their pact, and by exchanges which had since occurred.

It is evident that, within the last two or three days, Germany has succeeded in stiffening the attitude of Italy against any kind of intervention in European affairs.

December 10— Reports, which were re peated through the Moscow radio, that Germany was sending anti-aircraft guns

and large quantities of munitions to Fin land, and that 50 Italian bombers had refuelled in Germany on their way to assist Finland, have been denied.

December 11.—Finland’s appeal to the League of Nations for assistance against Russia was considered at a public session of the League Assembly to-day and it was decided to make a final appeal to Russia to agree to an armistice and conference.

It is not expected that the answer, which must be received within 24 hours, will be favourable.

December 11. Very strong feeling against Russia is manifesting itself in Sweden. As part of pro-Finnish agitation it is urged that a coalition Government be formed.

December 12.—Official: Shipping losses during the week ended December 9 were:—British (seven ships, 33,500 tons), neutrals (eight ships, 36,600 tons). It is now clear that five British ships, ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 tons, which are over due, and which were last heard of in the South Atlantic, have fallen victims to the German raiding battleship, Admiral von Scheer,” and are regarded as losses.

December 12.—1 tis officially announced that a section of the British Army now in France has been moved eastwards, and is now occupying a part of the Maginot Line, beside the French, and facing the German forces.

December 12. —The Italian newspapers state that Britain and France are afraid to stand up to the Soviet Government.

They also state that Fascist pilots and crews accompanied the Italian ’planes which flew across Germany to the as sistance of Finland and that Mussolini is willing to give all possible assistance to the Finns against the Russians.

Peace Suggestions

December 12.—Although details are be ing kept out of the Allied news services, where it is insisted that no peace nego tiations can be considered until the Hit ler regime is destroyed, it is now clear that a very real attempt is being made at Geneva, while the League of Nations’ as sembly awaits the reply of Russia, to arrange an armistice between the Allies and Germany in order that there may be a conference between them.

It is stated that Germany now is will ing to consider a new peace plan, in which Poland and Czechoslovakia would be rehabilitated; that Germany is willing to rejoin the League of Nations —especially if Russia is expelled from it; and that Hitler would not be averse to a peace plan which would be based on the alliance of Britain, France and Germany against Russia.

It may be expected that these circum stances and conditions will be seized upon to form the basis of an appeal for a Christmas armistice. On the other hand, there are numerous world com mentators who insist that there is in existence a plan under which Germany and Russia will engage jointly in a drive to the south-east, through the Balkans and through Asia Minor, against the Allies and Turkey, as soon as the Fin land situation is liquidated.

December 14.—Russia has replied sar castically to the League of Nations, virtually telling other nations to mind their own business. Expulsion of Russia from the League is now expected.

December 14. —German pocket battle ship “Admiral Graf Spee” (not “Admiral Scheer’’) caught in South Atlantic by British light cruisers “Achilles”, “Ajax” and “Exeter”; severely battered; ran to neutral port, where now sheltering, with British cruisers waiting outside.