Leontief Deplores Seizure of Finland; Suggests U.S. Make Vehement Protest

"I believe that the United States should make a definite protest to Russia about her invasion of Finland," said Wassily W. Leontief, associate professor of Economics, at his home last night.

"Her action was uncalled for and unnecessary and deserves the censure of the world. She could have achieved the same result by taking a little longer and using an economic boycott, since Finnish trade is practically closed except through Russia."

Russia in Hurry

When asked why he thought the Soviets used forceful methods rather than peaceful ones, the youthful professor said: "Russia is obviously in a hurry about something. She did not want to wait any longer than she possibly could, and in bombing Finland she undoubtedly lost the respect and support of a good many of the working class in the United States and elsewhere.

"Since she sacrificed so much to gain Finland, she must be planning to follow up with something very soon. It is very likely that that 'something' will be the seizure of Bessarabia, which is now a part of Rumania. Russia lost three territories as a result of the last war: Finland, some parts of Poland, and Bessarabia. She has already regained two of them, and it is my guess that she may have it in mind to get back the third."

Germany Will Do Nothing

He said that Germany would probably do nothing about Russia's wanton act, although the high officials in military, circles were surely "boiling with rage." Finland is of great military importance to Russia because in case of a war with another European country, the enemy might use Finland as a possession into the Soviet republic, or else they will make a protectorate of her. Of the two I think they will do the latter, because although the military significance is the same either way, the other Scandinavian states will be much less alarmed if Russia does base on which to land their troops.

"The Russians will do either of two things with Finland, now that they have her, for I don't believe that Finland will offer any real resistance. Either they will incorporate their new not completely engulf Finland.

Leontief pointed out the close resemblance between Stalin's method in gaining Finland and Hitler's in seizing Czechoslovakia. In both cases there was a strong campaign against the smaller state, culminating in an ultimatum and finally invasion. Since the Finnish cabinet resigned yesterday, Russia will probably see to it that the next one is composed of pro-Russians, as Germany set up Hacha and his aides in Czechoslovakia.

Leontief received his Ph.D. from the University of Berlin, then did research work at the University of Kiel. Following that he went to China, where for a year he was adviser on railroad planning to the Chinese Government. He came to Harvard in 1932