Evening Star Newspaper, December 5, 1939, Page 1

Weather Forecast Cloudy, with light rain tonight and to- morrow; not much change in tempera- ture; minimum tonight about 38 de- Today's War News TODAY grees. Temperatures 41, at 10:30 a.m.; lowest, 39, at today—Highest, 30 a.m. Prom the V’:fi?‘ States 'Q’fll‘rzllr'llll report. details on Late New York Markets, Page 18. —_— e oW TOm Yy, OO ™ o — — 34,916, . 87th YEAR. No. he WASHINGTON, D. ‘WITH SUNDAY MORNING EDITION Foeni c, inns Are Reported Striking Back With Air Raids on Soviet Bases; J SwedesCall Fortifying Aalands Speeded as Reds Renew Bombing By LYNN HEINZERLING, Assoctated Press Foreign Correspondent. HELSINKI, Dec. 5—Finland was reported today to have struck back at Soviet Russia by air bombard- ment of Paldiski, the Baltic port which Russia leased from Estonia for a naval base. The reports lacked confirmation, however, and gave no details. Finns had declared that Paldiski was the base for some of the Soviet planes which raided Helsinki last week. Dispatches from the Norwegian- Finnish frontier told of uncon- firmed reports that 60 Russian planes had been destroyey by Fin- nish fiyers dropping incendiary “bombs at Murmansk, Russia’s ice- free Arctic port. Finnish hope that aid might be forthcoming from Sweden was indi- cated by quick fortification of the Aaland Islands, which wotld keep open a sea route between the two nations. ' Helsinki's early winter night closed down after a quiet day which saw no resumption of air attacks on the capital. But Finns gloomily ex- pressed fear that Soviet Russia might choose the 21st anniversary of Finnish independence tomorrow ! to unleast a new attack from the sky. Evacuation Nearly Finished. Always observed with solemnity by the Finns, the independence an- niversary will have added signifi- cance as the sturdy Northerners fight to preserve their freedom. Movement of civilians out of Hel- sinki to the interior is practically complete, but workmen still are hur- riedly boarding up windows and doors. A Finnish government spokesman, discussing Moscow's statement that Russia is at peace with the Finnish people, declared that “the world's diplomatic history knows no docu- ment as cynical as this. “All that the Russian government | has to say about the government based on Finland's parliamentary system consists of lies and false alle- gations. “This document better than any- thing else shows the real face of the Soviet government, which de- clares itself the protector of small nations and creator of the inde- pendence and liberty of small na- ticns.” No New Reports. Up to late afternoon tnere were no reports of the progress of fight- ing on the Finnish war fronts. Renewal of aerial warfare after a lapse because of unfavorgble flying weather came as the Finns, with the nid of heavy snowfall, appeared to have slowed the Russian advance. As the bombing started again, the | government announced Finnish civ- ilian casualties in past air raids as 85 dead and 181 wounded, with 65 of the dead being killed in Helsinki, where 16 buildings were destroyed, 11 set on fire and 233 others dam- aged. Finnish officials appeared mysti- fled over a Moscow dispatch which declared Soviet warships, planes and troops “routed the Finns and the | English who dared to attack our shores” in a heavy battle near Kronstadt, Russian naval base. There was no immediate comment on the report. Northern Town Is Bombed As More Troops Land By the Associated Press. KIRKENES, Norway (at the Finn- ish frontier), Dec. 5—Three Soviet Russian bombers raided Salmijervi and the nearby area today in a re- newal of aerial operations in the war on Finland. The bombers could be seen from Kirkenes, and detonations reverber- ated across the border, but it was not learned immediately what damage and casualties resulted. Properties of the International Nickel Co. of Canada lie in the Salmijaervi area. At the same time, reports of con- tinued Russian landings in the Petsamo region, northernmost Fin- land, about 30 miles east northeast of Salmijaervi, were received. These reports said Russian war- ships were observed in Petsamo Fjord this morning. These were be- lieved to be convoying troopships bringing troops from the Russian Arctic garrisons of Alexandrovsk, Murmansk and Kola. It was reported the Russians first attempted to land at Liinahamari, but failed. Later they were reported landing on both sides of the mouth of Petsamo Fjord. The Finns ap- parently were unable to prevent this, but were believed to be waiting until the invaders reach Petsamo, where strong defense positions have been built. Petsamo is Finland's chief Arctic port. Body Recovered From River Identified A body taken from the Potomac River yesterday near the construc- tion dredges of Gravelly Point Air- port has been identified as that of William H. Snively, 27, of the first block of Bates street N.W., who was employed on the airport project. Identification was made by his wife, the mother of & 2-year-old baby daughter. ‘ Mr. Snively, who was said to have been subject to dizzy spells follow- League Circles By the Associated Press. GENEVA, Dec. 5—Soviet Russia, In the opinion expressed today in League of Nations circles, faces the choice of quitting the League, or be- ing thrown out. These quarters took one or the other eventuality for granted follow- ing the Finnish appeal Sunday for action to “check the aggression” of the Soviet Union and yesterday’s demand from Argentina and Uru- guay for immediate rejection of the U.S.S. R. Russia’s formal notification that she would not attend the meetings to consider the Finnish-Russian situation was received today. Offi- cials saild Russia’s absence would not change plans for the League's Council session Saturday and As- sembly meeting Monday. Two notes from Finland concern- Feel Russia Must Quit or Be Ousted Latin American Nations Press Plea To Punish Soviet for Finland Attack ing fortification of the strategic Aaland Islands also were received. They sald the fortification was based on Finland's right to protect the integrity of the islands. Venezuela announced sending a delegation although she gave notice of her withdrawal from the League on July 7, 1938. Under a two-year notification rule Venezu- ela remains a member until July, 1940. League complications were in- creased by a report that Belgium was reluctant to name a president of the council to take the place of Russia's representative who now heads the body.” If Belgium re- fuses, the presidency choice falls upon Bolivia. Foreign Minister Alberto Guani of Uruguay proposed, moreover, that (See GENEVA, Page A-4) Helsinki a Reminder | \0f Madrid as Finns Face Goliath Unafraid No Sign of Emotional Strain Seen Anywhere In a Spartan People By LELAND STOWE. Chicago Daily News Foreign Correspondent. | four-fifths of its population and with its normal life reduced to a mere pulse beat, Helsinki today bombers, but awaits them with re- | stoicism. whitens the city's roofs. Yesterday's snow still theless, Finland's capital already war. This morning we rode in by car from Abo to find this city greatly changed from a month ago. Only an occasional automobile stirs its streets. Only isolated dark figures walk its sidewalks. All banks and movies are closed. The largest de- | partment stores and hundreds of smaller shops have locked their doors Little more than the skele- iton of a former thriving city re- mains, but its spirit is the spirit of Madrid. Reminder of Madrid. As we neared the center, we sud- denly came on the black shambles |of two apartment houses and every | window in & huge structure opposite {gaped eloquently, not a single win- |dow \pane remaining. These, too, | were reminders of Madrid and Bar- celona, and in one month's time | Helsinki's most immaculate hotel has taken on that palsied air which war inflicts upon once-flourishing enterprises. | Along the streets countless shop windows are boarded up. There are no children whatever left here, and, of its 260,000 inhabitants, less than 50,000 now live in Finland'’s too spa- cious capital. An inestimable num- ber of business offices are entirely closed. Others strive to maintain themselves on fractional staffs, while hotels struggle valiantly to keep service up to standard. But the creeping paralysis of a besieged city has struck deeply into life here within the space of a few days. Yet the remaining one-fifth of Helsinki's populace stolidly go on with their jobs as unperturbed and seemingly nerveless as the Spaniards once proved themselves to be. Undaunted and Unflinching. The middle-aged chambermaids in my hotel welcomed us smilingly. Waitresses, downstairs, were serving meals quietly and efficiently. This city lives under the shadow of ex- pectant death, yet nowhere have I seen any evidence of emotional strain. The gigantic Soviet Army may be hammering at Finland’s frontiers and 2,000 Red bombers may be waiting only for clear weather to strike more fearful blows, but the spirit of the Finnish people is as unmoved as it is unbroken. Helsinki expects the worst, but is girded for it with an iron will. If anything, the Finns are buoyed up by the Russian’s failure to make one smashing gain along their en- tire 750-mile frontier. They are heartened also by yesterday's ex- ploit, when Finnish troops annihi- lated some 200 Soviet soldiers who dropped in parachutes behind their lines near Petsamo. Stenogpphers (See FINNS, Page A-3.) Thai Execufes 18 Ploffers Against King Ananda By the Associated Press. BANGKOK, Dec. 5.—Eighteen alleged plotters against Thai’s (Siam’s) 14-year-old King Ananda were executed today. They were charged with conspiracy to over- throw the boy King and restore his uncle and predecessor, Prajadhipok. Numerous arrests and the “re- tirement” of more than 50 high army officers on January 29 was followed by convening of a special court which passed the sentences. ing & mishap at the airport site several weeks ago, disappeared Fri- day after he was seen repairing s pipeline extending from the dredge. Prajadhipok abdicated March 2, 1935, and Ananda became King, with & regency to rule during his minority. HELSINKI, Dec. 5—Emptied of; awaits the return of Soviet Russia’s | markable calm and true Finnish | The sky | is still a murky gray, which may de- | lay the Reds’ next air raid. Never- shows the first paralyzing touch of | Kuhn Gets 23 to 5 Years' Sentence on Larceny Charge Punishment Is Imposed On Murray Transaction And 2 Counts of Forgery BACKGROUND— Fritz Kuhn, German-American Bund leader, was convicted last | week of grand larceny of bund funds. The defense charged po- litical prosecution during the trial, which brought out Kuhn's associgtion with a woman he called his “golden angel.” His relations with her furnished the prasecution with most of its am- munition. By the Associated Press. Kuhn, German - American Bund leader, was sentenced today to a prison term of from two and a half to five years. week of grand larceny of bund funds. The sentence was imposed on the count of grand larceny in the James D. C. Murray transaction and on two counts of forgery in that con- | nection. Sentence was suspended by Judge | James C. Wallace on the transaction |involving the alleged payment of the moving expenses of Mrs. Florence Camp, the “blond angel” of Kuhn's | love letters. Murray Denied He Was Paid. Murray had testified during the trial that he had never received $500 which Kuhn claimed to have paid him for legal services. The other charge of larceny con- cerned $717 allegedly given Mrs. Camp. “This man is not to be sentenced because he is a hate dispenser or a rabble rouser, for there are thou- sands of others in this country,” Judge Wallace said before he pro- nounced sentence. Kuhn's attorney, Peter L. F. Sab- batino, had contended during the trial that political persecution lay at the bottom of the case. The judge denied a defense re- quest to suspend sentence. “I will rely upon your vast store of experience to pass a fitting sen- tenece,” Mr. Sabbatino said. Deprived of Civil Rites. Conviction and sentence automati- cally deprive Kuhn of such civil rights as voting, holding public office and other privileges granted by citi- zenship. These can be restored only by action of the Governor after Kuhn has served his sentence. His citizenship, as such, is not re- voked. Kuhn, German born, became & naturalized citizen in 1833. Kuhn already had turned over the bund leadership to an acting Fueh- rer, Gerhard Wilehlm Kunze. Kunze, in an interview, said he would make no changes in the bund work and added he would act as leader only temporarily. » she was. He was convicted last | 40,000 Morg Troops New Order Boosts Armed Forces to 150,000 By the Associated Press. STOCKHOLM, Dec. 5.—Sweden, in increasing alarm at the extent of the Soviet Russian incursion into Finland, called more troops to the colors today and for the first time acknowledged “partial mobiliza- tion.” About 40,000 men, including ar- tillerymen, engineers and commis- sary detachments, were ordered into service, bringing to about 150,000 the number under arms—as against a normal standing force of 20,000. The troops are for “wartime serv- ice,” published notices said. Pre- vious military orders referred only to “preparedness.” Refugees Increasing. Sweden continued to direct her efforts toward neutrality, one official wealthy, but our forces are too small to send to the aid of another country.” Finnish refugees reaching Hapa- | randa, on the Swedish side of the frontier, related today they were machine-gunned by Russian planes which they rushed out to greet near Petsamo in the mistaken belief they weze Red Cross craft. Newspapers and citizens' organi- zations in Stockholm are gathering clothes and raising funds for the refugees, whose numbers are in- creasing rapidly. Erkko in Stockholm. Among about 250 Finns and| Swedes arriving from Helsinki and | Abo yesterday was Eljas Erkko, for- mer Finnish foreign minister, who is to be charge daffaires in Stock- holm. Erkko and the Swedish foreign minister, Richard Sandler, con-| ferred until after midnight. Indicative of public feeling here | | was last night's meeting of the| Stockholm Town Council. Its three | Communist members were refused | permission to ask any questions. | A rumor here, which could not be verified, said a “new map of Scan- | | Russia, showing Finland and the | northern half of Sweden as Russian ‘ possessions and the southern half of | Bweden as German soil, with Nor- | way and Denmark unchanged. | ‘Arlillefigain A@e On Western Front By the Associzted Press. PARIS, Dec. 5.—Artillery rumbled | | again on the western front today. This morning’s communique of the PFrench high command said:| “Patrols and artillery activity dur-| ing the night on certain points of the front.” Last night's communique had | noted “some reciprocal artillery action.” On the home front police held 15 persons accused of plotting to re- constitute the dissolved Communist Youth Association in Paris. They were arrested yesterday. BERLIN, Dec. 5 (#).—Enemy ar- tillery enlivened an otherwise dull day on the western front, the Ger- man high command reported today. ‘Severe’ Earthquake Shocks.Are Recorded By the Associated Press. NEW YORK, Dec. 5—The seismo- graph at Fordham University re- corded a “very severe” earthquake today, about 2,050 miles from New York. The first shock was at 3:33:36 am. (E. S. T.), followed by another at 3:41:36 am. ‘WESTON, Mass, Dec. 5 (#).—A “strong earthquake” about 2200 miles southwest of nere—probably in Central America—occurred at 3:30:20 a.m. today, the Rev. James J. Devlin, S. J., seismologist at Wes- ton College, reported. The shock was felt at 3:36:48, Father Devlin said. The War Finland was reported to have struck back at Russia today with bombing raids on Soviet air bases on the Baltic and Arctic Seas and to havs speeded fortification of the Aaland Islands, strategic point on her trade route to Swe- den, as evacuation of Helsinki was virtually completed. (Page A-1) The Swedes, alarmed at the Russian advance into Finland, called 40,000 more men to the colors, admitting a “partial mobilization” as they boosted their army to' 150,000 men, but still hoping to remain neutral in the growing European confiict. (Page A-1) Foreign ministers of 'Sweden and Denmark were invited to & meeting in Oslo Thursday to study possibilities of a new peace move, but Denmark’s announce- ment of her neutrality in the Russian-Finnish conflict apper- ently barred any strong Scandi- navian stand. Page A-2) Russia, which wilt-not be rep- Situation resented at the League of Nations session considering Finland's pro- test against Soviet aggression, faced possible ouster from the League on the application of Ar- gentina and Uruguay; it was generally believed that the U. 8. 8. R. would resign. (Page A-1) In London Prime Minister Chamberlain told the House of Commons that the Finns had acted on their own initiative in making their plea to the League for arbitration of the dispute with Russia and ‘that Britain’s position would be explained by its delegate at the League ses- sion. (Page A-4) In Asia Japan, looking for bet- ter relations with the United States, began paying off Amer- ican claims for damages to prop- erty in China. Japanese plans for a “new order” in Asia were believed further complicated by the death of Gen. Wu Pei-fu, who had been under pressure to assist in forming & new Chinese (Page A-1) Complete Index Page A-2 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1939—FORTY-EIGHT oA i amant kg, e mer - Nearly Immortal Skunk Sells Life Dearly to Forces of Law Mechanized Police’s Casualties Are Heavy And Chevy Chase Suffers There's one police scout®car in Washington that won't need a siren today. That’s the scout car that was used this morning on the great hunt for the irrepressible, practically im- mortal skunk that roamed at large along Chevy Chase Parkway, ter- rorizing the residents and doing things to the eighth precinct that have never been done before. ‘The skunk was spotted in the gray of dawn by a newspaperboy deliver- ing his morning papers in the 5200‘ block of Chevy Chase Parkway. The | boy was dropping a paper in front | of the door of Mrs. D. Hauft at| 5207 when he saw an innocent look- ing black and white animal huddled | in front of the basement window | of 5209. The boy knocked on the door and | asked Mrs. Hauft if her pet was loose. Mrs. Hauft took one look and replied that was no pet of hers. NEW YORK, N. Y., Dec. 5—Frits | 4inavia" was being circulated in| “go he roused Mrs. Benjamin Ginz- burg at 5209 to announce that she had a visitor. Mrs. Ginzburg, who | said she spent a restless night, re- | vealed that she had suspected as| much. Mrs. Ginzburg celled police, and scout car 82, the principal victim | in this drama. went whizzing on | the assignment, carrying Officers | Oberon Warren and V. V. Holcomb, | who were blissfully unaware of what lay in store for them. Tile Manufacturers, Contractors, Unions Indicted in Defroit Grand Jury Charges 35 Individuals Have Created Monopoly By the Associated Press. DETROIT, Dec. 5.—A special Federal grand jury today indicted 35 individuals, eight manufacturing concerns, three contractors’ asso- ciations, two A. F. L. union locals and jobbers charging that a monop- oly had been created in the tile trade in the Detroit area. The indictnfent was brought under the anti-trust laws. Federal offi- cials said it was the first time a criminal indictment ever was re- turned against all branches of an industry. The indictment charged that a conspiracy existed to drive out of business 60 independent tile con- tractors, by shutting off their tile supply and their labor supply. Detroit Tile Contractors’ Associa- tion, the Greater Detroit Tile Con- tractors' Association and the Tile Contractors’ Association of America, three of the defendants, were named as the only mediums through which contractors in this area could ob- tain tile. Unions Indicted. Unions named in the indictment are the Bricklayers, Masons and Plas- terers’ International, Local No. 32, and Local No. 40 of the Interna- tional Association of Marble, Stone and Slate Polishers, Rubbers and Sawyers, Tile and Marble Setters Helpers and Terrazzo Workers’ Helpers. mnu{ggturen listed by the grand (See TILE, Page A-5.) $100,000 Gem Theft Details Lacking By the Associated Press. CHARLESTON, S. C, Dec. 5— Railroad police here declined today either to confirm or deny a report that Mrs. Madeline Dick of New York and Miami was robbed of $100,000 worth of jewelry yesterday, of which all but $800 worth was recovered. The News and Courier said the robbery occurred on & Charleston- bound train. It quoted an unnamed woman companion as saying she could not give the details of the robbery, and that Mrs. Dick didn’t want to discuss it. ‘When Mrs. Dick arrived here yes- terday she learned that her $50,000 winter residence, Dixie Plantation, had been burned to the ground a few hours earlier. The plantation is situated 20 miles from Charleston. n Slaf PAGES. ##% The police sized up the situation quickly and decided against a flank | attack. They approached cautious- | ly, and Mr. Warren drew his gun. | He took careful aim—the policeman said he never aimed more care- fully in his life—and fired. The skunk dropped, wounded—but | refused to take it’lying down. He | retaliated and the two policemen, | along with scout car 82, found | themselves in the line of fire. Having done all he could under the circumstances, the skunk lay down to die. The police, underesti- | mating the durability of their foe, | | picked him up and carried him to the gutter. “We'll leave him,” Mr. Warren an- nounced triumphantly “for the street cleaner.” Renaissance. They went back to the station house, where both found the door locked against them. They were brooding on the front steps when a phone call came in from a citizen who did not give his name. “That skunk,” the citizen said, | “you killed. It just got up and| walked away.” This was a crisis and Capt. Lloyd | C. Kelly decided to take charge of | the situation personally. He called for volunteers, and then drafted Sergt. C. C. Gouldman and Pvts. Spencer C. Belt and Roland M. Kirby for the assignment. He also ordered Mr. Warren to go along—but not in the same car with the rest. Mr. Warren took Scout 82 and said it was a marvel to behold how traffic lanes opened up for him on the way. The skunk was threshing about when the police contingent arrived. There developed some argument among the police as to who would have the honor of the kill. Mrs. Hauft stood by watching, a handkerchief to her nose, while others in the neighborhood de- ployed at great distances. Finally Mr. Kirby stepped up with | his truncheon, tested the wind and (See SKUNK, Page A-9.) Damage Reported Heavy In Philippine Typhoon By the Associated Press. MANILA, Dec. 5—Reports of heavy damage to crops, property and public works continued to filter in tonight from districts swept by the week-end typhoon. Known fatali- tles remained at two. The storm was reported to be stationary over the Pacific, east of | Sumner Welles said today. UP) Means U. S. Willing to Join Other Americas in Condemning Russia Welles Says Approaches Have Been Made for a Continental Declaration By GARNETT D. HORNER. The United States Government is willing to join with other American republics in a continental declara- tion condemning Russia's attack on | Finland, Acting Secretary of State| Mr. Welles pointed out at his press | conference that a good many of the American nations already had made their positions clear in individual statements. President Roosevelt is- sued a statement last Friday con- demning the aggression. This Government has been ap- proached by certain other American governments, Mr. Welles said, con- cerning a continental declaration of support for the principles of inter- national law and reprobation for the use of force in international affairs. He said the State Depart- ment had made it clear that it would be glad to take part in such & declaration if all the other Amers ican republics wanted to under- take it. Meanwhile, State Department offi- cials were considering whether or not to protest the program started by Great Britain yesterday to seize all exports from Germany. Mr. Welles said Secretary of State Hull probably would have something to say on this matter immediately on his return from Chicago, where he is addressing a farm meeting tonight. Also under study is a report from Joseph C. Grew, Ambassador to Japan, concerning his conference with the Japanese foreign minister yesterday, in which the Japanese official is understood to have pre- sented a formula for settlement of many points of conflict between the Japanese military and American in- terests in China. Mr. Welles said the joint communique issued in ‘Tokio yesterday appeared to be ac- curate, but that he could not com- ment further on the matter, pend- ing full study. Women's Country Club Nighttime on Europe’s Battlefields Is Press Time on The Star Associated Press. Japan Paying U. . Claims fo Keep Trade Pact Damages in China Being Compensated; Use of Club Disliked By the Associated Press. TOKIO, Dec. 5.—Looking toward better relations with the United States, Japan is paying off numer- ous claims for damages to Amer- ican property in China, authorita- tive sources disclosed today. They said Foreign Minister Ad- miral Kichisaburo Nomura in- formed United States Ambassador Joseph C. Grew in a two-hour con- ference yesterday that Japan was prepared to settle such claims. The sources declared, however, the Japanese disliked use of the United States-Japanese trade treaty as & “club” for influencing policies in China. The treaty, denounced by the United States in July, is due to expire January 26. It was said Mr. Grew and No- mura temporarily shelved discussion of <uch problems as the Open Door in the Orient and the Nine-power Treaty, Japan being primarily in- terested in bridging the period im= mediately following the treaty’s ex- piration. Claims Now Being Settled. For this reason. many long-stand- ing American damage claims for bombings in China are being com- pensated. It was understood reli- ably the government soon would release a compilation of evidences of Japan’s good intentions, enumer= ating the cases and amounts paid. This list also probably would in- clude instances of soldiers being disciplined for face-slapping inci- dents in Tientsin and Hankow. The same sources denied reports Nomura had told Mr. Grew a rap- prochement was impossible under threats of economic pressure, or that Japan was displeased over the reported strengthening of the Amer- ican Pacific Fleet. The foreign minister merely stated, they said, that if America placed an embargo on exports to Japan commodities must be sought elsewhere. This statement was not amplified, but it was indicated it might mean efforts would be made to obtain more oil, scrap iron and similar items from the East Indies and Australia. No Promises on Policy. Observers sald Japan at present was unable to go beyond specific incidents, as her future policies re- specting all third powers in China | must be conditioned by the sort and scope of government to be organized in China under Wang Ching-wei. Denounced as a traitor by the Chinese Nationalists, whose Premier he once was, Wang Ching-wei has been expected for some time to form a Japanese-supported government in China, conclude a formal peace with Japan and seek to wean the | Chinese masses away from the government of Chiang Kai-shek. In Japan itself, opinion is divided on whether this regime should con- trol all the occupied territory in China or be confined to an area in Central China. An observer voiced the opinion, “We cannot commit the Wang Ching-wei government to a series of policies respecting broad points before the government is actually organized. “If he (Wang) is to have a truly independent regime, he must have a voice in these matters.” Death of Wu Pei-fu May Produce Problems PEIPING, Dec. 5 (#)—Authorita- tive observers here saw today in the death of Wu Pei-fu, once powerful Chinese war lord, political compli- cations for the Japanese plan to establish a Chinese government under Wang Ching-wei. Property Is Sold Sale of the National Women's Country Club property, including a nine-hole golf course, on the Brad- | ley Hills road in Montgomery County, Md., was reported today.| Details of the sale were not dis- closed, nor was the purchaser re- vealed. Bulletin LONDON, Dec. 5 (#).—Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax today called the Russian invasion of Finland an “inexcusable act of aggression by one of the largest on one of the smallest” nations central Luzon. of Europe. ’_.. The Small Ones Would Like A Little Toy,’ Is A Christmas Heart Fund Gift Will Fill Such Voids To the headquarters of The Star’s Christmas Heart Pund has come the following letter: * “Will you please see that my family gets something for Christ- mas? My husband is out of work | and there are five children in my family—aged 3 months, 6 years, 8 years, 11 years and 13 years. The small ones would like & little toy of a Mother's Plea Is Yours A Christmas Heart? If it gives you a warm feeling at the Yuletide to know that some needy child has a wooly sweater because It was learned that until a few hours before his death of an in- | fected tooth yesterday, Wu Pei-fu | had resisted Japanese pressure to | assist in establishing a new regime, | although the Japanese had been in- | creasingly insistent in recent weeks. The conviction is growing among informed persons in Peiping that the Japanese army in North China has become decidedly cool toward Wang's efforts, and that failure awaits them. This belief is based on reports that Wang is demanding withdrawal of troops from China, while the North China army does not intend to withdraw under any circum- stances, and that the army favors establishing a “special” adminis- trative area north of the Yellow River. Indicating the attitude of the North China army, the Japanese press commented editorially, “Wang Ching-wei is not God.” The army -controlled Peking Chronicle said today Wu Pei-fu “was to have headed the military section of the Wang Ching-wei gov- ernment,” but informed quarters aeueved Jhis was without founda- on. For Wu, known as “the only hon- est warlord in China,” had not risen to frequent similar overtures in the past. He was a desirable man for the purpose because in his military days he was said to have paid his of you, or & new toy or what that child needs most— then you've got a Christ- mas heart. Every beat of the Christ- mas heart‘is a dollar, or five dolldrs, or even a few pennies sent to The Star Christmas Heart Fund, which in turn will pass the money on-to the Council of Social Agencies to distribute through its trained workers to Wash- ington families whose Christ- mas, without your gift, would be bleak indeed. whose only luxuries are memories, whose only treasure hope. Here is another: “I am writing to you to ask you to do something for my little one troops faithfully and never to have permitted looting in the cities he conquered. He thus was popular with the Chinese masses. Crash of Russian Bombers In Snowstorm-Reported By the Associated Press. STOCKHOLM, Dec. 5—~A Rus- sian squadron on & bombing flight over Pinland, north of Lake Ladoga, was reported to have lost its way in a snowstorm yesterday and crashed into treetops. Several planes were accounted wrecked' but there was no immedi- ate mention of personne] casualties. The report added that 25 of 50 new Italian fighting planes recently delivered to Finland were ready now family (860 CHRISTMAB, Page A-5) for immediate action.