The new technique adopted by the Soviet troops in their onslaught on the Mannerheim Line in Finland, means that the attacks are being conducted with scientific precision, and that waves of aeroplanes, intense artillery barrages, swarms of tanks and the regular advance of the infantry shows that a degree of coordination has been established which suggests that Germany is actually now giving expert assistance to Russia in the subjugation of the Finns. It will be remembered that the German forces adopted the same methods in their invasion of Poland, and the similarity, together with the quickness with which it has been brought about, indicates that the German experts, which it was reported the Soviet had asked for, are now in action. There were denials that Germany intended giving the assistance for which the Kremlin is reported to have asked, but those denials were regarded in exactly the same light as many others of their predecessors. It might, of course, be that the Russian command has merely adopted the German scheme, but for it to have been put into operation so rapidly, men thoroughly accustomed to it must have been employed. From the German point of view there is every reason why the Soviet's Finnish adventure should be brought to a victorious conclusion as early as possible. Russia at war is of small advantage to Germany in her struggle with the Allies, for with Russia in her present economic condition it is only in circumstances of peace that she can be expected to give even the most attenuated assistance to. the- Reich. Reports to hand indicate that the Finns have been able to meet this new development with the same stern resistance which has marked their fighting ever since the onslaught upon them began, and, at any rate up to the present, they have been able to beat back the Russian attacks, and recapture whatever ground might have been lost in the initial onslaught. It is hoped that the back of the Russian offensive has already been broken, for, if this proves to be the case, then the claims concerning the defensive qualities of the Mannerheim Line will have been completely justified.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.