Historians call for definitive accounting of missing in war

Intense Internet debate on HS website sparked by Ylikangas study on deserter executions

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Finnish war historians are calling for an extensive international study into the fate of Finnish soldiers who went missing in the Winter War and the Continuation War, and those who were executed for desertion.
      According to the database on Finnish war dead, 5,311 soldiers are unaccounted for among those who took part in the wars of 1939 to 1945.
     
Calls for a study came on Monday from Jarmo Nieminen, head of the Department of Military History of the National Defence University, and Ohto Manninen, Professor of Military History.
      In his book Romahtaako Rintama? ("Is the Front Collapsing?"), which was published on Tuesday, Professor Heikki Ylikangas also calls for an extensive study. In the book he alleges that the Finns executed about 250 of their own soldiers in the summer of 1944. Official figures put the number of executions of Finnish soldiers at 57.
      Historian Dr. Martti Turtola is also in favour of an extensive study into executions and disappearances. He does not believe that investigators or the Defence Forces would have deliberately covered up information on executions. He also feels that with the passage of time it is now easier to approach the issue.
      Turtola says that the topic has been a sensitive one both for next of kin and for historians who personally experienced the war. "For instance, in the 1970s, such a short time had passed from the Second World War that digging up these issues simply felt bad."
      He also notes that an extensive study would be expensive and difficult. "This involves the work of many people for several years."
      He says that ultimately the question is about how much blood there is on the hands of Commander-in-Chief, Marshall C.G.E. Mannerheim. "Was Mannerheim an executioner, as Soviet propaganda claimed? That is the core of this investigation."
      Turtola also does not want to turn historical research into a criminal investigation. He says that guilt and responsibility should be reported, but as a non-legal process. "There is no point in dragging the bones of the generals into court."
     
Military historian Pasi Tuunainen says that he has wondered why no comprehensive investigation has been made into the uncertain fates of the wars. Tuunainen notes that some studies have been made, but an definitive accounting has not.
      Tuunainen agrees that the work will be difficult and cumbersome. The historians say that cooperation of the national government will be necessary, so that the investigators could gain access to the closed archives of the Soviet Union.
      Markku Jokisipilä, an expert in the history of the Second World War, feels that "these rumours are so tenacious that a clarification is needed, no matter what the result". He believes that it is easier for younger historians to study these sensitive issues.
      "But it is a different matter, how to find out about events that might never have been written down anywhere. Memories easily play tricks after 60 years."
     
The Ylikangas book has sparked intense and at times emotional debate on the Helsingin Sanomat website. One commentator wrote: "It would be in our national interest to go through our county's history honestly, because keeping things a secret still seems to be the national habit".
      Another commentator says: "It would be best to leave the veterans of our wars to the peace that they deserve", while another contribution reads: "I feel ashamed that these kinds of studies are even conducted in Finland". On the other hand one writer wants to "bring the murderers to justice for their actions, from old people's homes if necessary."


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Historian claims number of executions of deserters during Continuation War was deliberately understated (3.10.2007)

Links:
  National Defence University

Helsingin Sanomat