File No. 860d.00/102
The Minister in Sweden (Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 20, 3.50 a.m.]
1916. British Minister is to-day handing following memorandum to Finnish Chargé d’Affaires here:
His Majesty’s Government is prepared to recognize provisionally the de facto independence of Finland pending final settlement of question by peace congress in accordance with principle of self-determination on condition: [Page 782]
- (a)
- That the Finnish government is able to obtain the release of the British subjects arrested by the Germans on Finnish territory; and
- (b)
- That adequate guarantees for future maintenance of Finnish neutrality are given, e. g., guarantees for the life and property of Allied subjects in Finland, including right of free passage for British subjects and goods and guarantees for the safety of Allied ships in Finnish waters, and that Finland as a neutral state opens its waters to the ships of all nations.
As soon as the first question has been settled and the necessary guarantees given, His Majesty’s Government would be prepared to accredit a chargé d’affaires with the Vasa Government.