December 8, 1939; Russia Blockades Finish Coast:

THIS WAS REPORTED TODAY, DECEMBER 8, 1939:

Russia Has Imposed

Complete Blockade
of Finnish Coasts

Soviet Government Informs Denmark That Action

Becomes Effective at Noon Today; Ships Can
Leave Area Until Noon Saturday.

COPENHAGEN, Friday, Dec. 8.—(U.P.) Russia has imposed a complete naval blockade of Finland's coasts, effective at noon today, the Danish government was informed in an official notice from the Soviet government.

The Danish ministry of commerce said at midnight that the notification was conveyed to the Danish minister in Moscow.

 

10^TH  Naval Loss of War is Reported

English Airmen Score Hits on 2 Reich Flying Boats as They Approached Vital

Firth of Forth Region.
R, A, F, CRAFT IS MISSING
Sea Toll Includes- 8,159-Ton Netherlands Motorship Tajandoen, Torpedoed, Burned; Six Lost.
LONDON, Dec. 7. — (AP) —
Great Britain reported a successful defense of the air above her northeast coast today, with British battle planes forcing two German raiding attacks into retreat.

But she had to acknowledge the tenth naval loss of the war in the sinking by a mine of the 203-ton navy trawler Washington. Eight men aboard her died.

British airmen reported they scored hits on two of today's 10 raiders, none of which dropped any bombs. All were driven off, eight of them as they approached the vital Firth of Forth area in Scotland, where lie the city of Edinburg and the Rosyth naval base.

Flying Boats Damaged
In addition, authoritative sources said two German Dornier flying boats were badly damaged yesterday when beset by defense craft as they approached the British east coast. The air ministry announced tonight, however, that one British plane failed to return from patrol duty yesterday.

 DENY SOVIETS HAVE

BROKEN WATER LINE

In addition, authoritative sources said two German Dornier flying boats were badly damaged yesterday when beset by defense craf they approached the British east coast. The air ministry announced tonight, however, that one British plane failed to return from patrol duty yesterday.

DEFENDERS HOLD OWN
Finnish - Americans Join
Forces With Little Republic;
Will Fight on
North Central Sector.
By- M'N'.V HE1NZEKLING.
HELSINKI, Dec. 7. — (AP)—Finish troops launched a fierce counter attack today on the Karelian Isthmus in an e f f o r t to halt a Red army surge toward the eastern terminus of their Muniierhelm line.

The Russians bombarded the southern coast of Finland from the sea and renewed their land attacks on the central front.

Contrary to Russian assertions, a. Finnish army spokesman said, the Invaders were not yet threatening the Mannerheim -line, a. water; defense system composed of an irregular.chain of,-lakes; extending,, almost across the narrow isthmus.

The line brgins at Sakkola on the east and follows a westward course, through the town of Moulaa to Kuolcmn lake, "the lake of death."