The Allies waited vainly for Finland to show some signs of intent or willingness to withdraw from Hitler's fold.
Finnish sisumeaning a peculiarly Finnish brand of doggedness, capable of facing down death itselfwas at work against the Allies. Last week one element of sisu affecting Finland's war position became crystal clear: Finland's instinctive hate and dread of Russia is the principal barrier to a separate peace with Russia. The presence of German troops in Finland and the fear of German reprisal are secondary to the Finns' conviction that Russia is their implacable enemy.
Most Finns now believe that Germany will lose...