File No. 861.00/804
The Finnish Commissioner (Ignatius) to the Secretary of State
Washington, December 10,
1917.
Sir: Referring to our conversation of this
morning, I have the honor to hand you herewith a copy of a cablegram
from my government received yesterday, December 9, 1917.
I am [etc.]
[Enclosure—Telegram]
The President of the Finnish Senate
(Svinhufvud) to the
Finnish Commissioner at Washington (Ignatius)
Presenting to Diet proposal concerning new form of government
establishing Finland an independent republic and referring to
Diet’s previous decision of taking over supreme power in virtue
of Section 38 of form of government of 1772, Svinhufvud, president of
Finnish Senate, has on behalf of the Government solemnly
declared that it is the Finnish people’s right and considering
the present isolation of the country and the extraordinary
scarcity of provisions its incontestable duty to approach
foreign powers with request to acknowledge Finland’s sovereign
independence. Diet’s speaker welcomed this, as corresponding to
country’s right and people’s unanimous wish. Empowered
deputations leave for abroad within few days for purposes of
official notification. Urgentest direct communication with
American Government being necessary owing to critical situation
of provision question, please immediately see Lansing, inform him contents
this telegram and sound readiness receive deputation. Russia
will be notified as soon as Constituent National Assembly meets.
Paasikivi will telegraph regarding Scandinavian attitude. This
cable sent from Haparanda by Svinhufvud’s order.
