The Finnish Reverse With the toss of Vilpusi the Finns have sutfered their first major reverse of the campaign, but they have at the same time covered ther selves with great glory for the gallant mann in which they have been facing overwhelming odds. They continue to fight every foot of the round of their retreat in their determination to make the Russians pay heavily for whatever advances they may be able to secure, It is a Wise policy, for the price which they have made the Soviet troops pay for the small suc~ ess they have achieved is one which should shock the Russians once the facts of the ease become known in Russia itself, as inevitably they must, In Gat connection the Finns ave striking A severe blow to the prestige of M. Stalin which may oF may not have future repercussions upon the internal polities of Soviet Russia, and the wounds which they are inflicting may prove far more serious thant_at the moment they appear likely to do. If the Finns can manage to hold the Russian forees during the next two weeks they should have the advantage of further falls fof snow and subsequent thaws which will ime pose enormous handicaps upon the Russian mechanized forces, and afford the Finns a much needed breathing space. When it is re~ membered that the Finnish forees, small eom= pared with the hordes which have been thrown Against them, have because of their numbers, had very little opportunity of relief, the man-in Which they have fought day' after day thout respite speaks volumes not only for the courage but for the stamina of these' a 'They' will, It is reported, take up positions in a fine behind Viipuri the strength of which is at present a matter of speculation, but it they can hold their enemy off until nature comes to the for optimism, but if they can hold on until thaw comes, and the lakes again become the natural defence they were before frozen over, they may set have offering such res Kremlin wonder after al whether be worth the huge sacri iees the Soviet troops fare being called upon to maki "The lessons to be learned from the Finnish campaign permit of th tion in western Europe being ded with no little confidence. 'The Maginot Kino manned by troops equal in 1 bers present, and with a potential superiority should offer a' greater obstacle to the Germans than has the Mannetheim Line, excellent as that hax been, and it just opinion that the Allies can afford 10. wai Mere "Hiller chooses to endeavour to force the issue when it may be expected that at successful resistance will inflict untold damage upon the aggressor.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.