Helsinki, Feb, 24, ESPITE fierce fighting throughout yesterday all along the front in the Karelian Isthmus, the Russians failed to keep their promise to celebrate the 22nd birthday of the Red Army with a triumphant march into Viipuri, strategic railway junction and the objective of the present Soviet' drive. The Russians, however, are making persistent efforts to find a weak spot through which to force a way to Viipuri.
The Finns are now acquiring quite a large number of serviceable tanks, since those taken from the Russians are now leaving Finnish workshops ready for use. Russian anti-tank guns, now aimed by Finns, are also doing their bit towards preventing the Red Army from breaking through to Viipuri.
'A Finnish communique claims that the Fins repulsed two Russia tacks yesterday between Muolajaervi ind Ayrapaanjaervi, "after each of which the Russians left approximately whole battalion of dead."
A Russian detachment which altacked Syskiem!, across the Ayrapaan fake, is said to have been driven back, losing, 800 killed and 100 prisoners. In cleaning up the stronghold captured on Wednesday north of Lake Ladoga, the communique adds, abundance of war material was cap-Suing tele guns and Over Jigmting shoulder to shoulder with the Red Army." The announcer declared: Shire corps will participate inthe forthcoming strougte, and will host of freedom on the Prose Palace in" the Finish
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.