Helsinki, Mar. 8.
The Finnish Government announced last night, that "according to information in the possession of the Finn Government" the announcement said. {the Soviet Government is believed to have planned the presentation of demands to Finland of more far-reaching character than those presented last autumn, Details of the demands so far are lacking."
It was reported that Russia would again demand the surrender of Hangoe as a naval base, which Finns regard as impossible.
"Hangoe would be just the opening wedge," one Finn said. "With Hangoe gone there would be some other demand in six months' time."
Recent official statements emphasizing that Finland would welcome an honourable peace still stand, but the term "honourable peace" does not imply giving a title to what Finland considers her vital rights.
There has been much more peace and mediation talk outside Finland than in Helsinki itself, No one here fails to recognize. the seriousness of the situation. None denied that a real workable peace arrangement would be eagerly welcome. Expericed diplomatic and other. foreign observers in Helsinki see no evidence that anyone in authority wants to halt the war at all costs.
The loss of Viipuri, even folding off the eastern end of the Manner-helm Line, would not be the end of the war—a fact which is more true than ever in the light of increased foreign aid, There is strength for more campaigns left in the Finn Army, regardless of whatever developments occur in the next few days. "The average Finn would rather fight than buckle under—United Press.
Six loud explosions were heard off the south-east coast of England at about 8 o'clock last night, followed by the rattle of machine-gun fire. It is reported that a German plane dropped bombs near shipping. There were no hits or casualties. The bombs fell in pairs, and exploded on striking the water.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.