"It Is Not Possible for You [In Finland] to Remain Neutral"

Soviet bombers and fighters numbered 3,000, to neutralize the Finnish air force of 162 antiquated biplanes and Fokkers. The lakes and rivers were beginning to freeze and soon the ice would be strong enough to support the Soviet heavy equipment. At the secret meeting between the two men Yartsev explained that while he was in Moscow two weeks ago, he had been given the authority to discuss the matter of improving relationships between the Soviet Union and Finland. The Finnish position was that she would not allow any foreign troops on her territory, and that Finland trusted that the Soviet Union would also respect the sovereignty of her independence. In Moscow Finnish Minister Yrjo-Koskinen was summoned to the Kremlin and told that shots had been fired by the Finns on the Soviet frontier post at Mainila, killing four men and wounding nine.