File No. 860d.48/67

The Commercial Adviser of the British Embassy ( Crawford) to the Counselor for the Department of State ( Polk)

My Dear Polk: With reference to the Finnish shipments of flour and wheat which we discussed today a telegram was received relative to this on December 29.

[Page 575]

His Majesty’s Government consider that until full control has been organized there is serious danger of Finnish supplies being sent to Germany or being seized by the Bolsheviki.

According to reports which have been received there is to all intents and purposes open trade between Germany and Finnish ports, and smuggling, on a very important scale, has been going on from Finland to Sweden and Germany for several months. A recently forwarded consignment of rice from Sweden to Finland for Finnish consumption has been seized by Russian soldiery. We are accordingly instructed to ask whether any measures have been taken to ensure that forwarded supplies will be consumed by the Finns.

It is presumed that the supply question has been fully considered, and due regard has been given to Allied requirements, including those of Italy, in allocating this large quantity of cereals.

Furthermore in view of urgent demands of Allies for neutral tonnage and importance of not disturbing pending negotiations for shipping agreements, it is hoped that the British authorities may be consulted before steps are taken to place Dutch or Swedish ships at the disposal of the Finns.

My Government trust that before any binding arrangement is made to ship the proposed purchase of 45,000 tons of oats and corn, or other cereals or flour, an opportunity will be given for full consultation. It is felt that if a supply of foodstuffs is permitted to Finland, careful organization of the methods of distribution will be necessary. This might perhaps best be arranged by agreeing with the Swedish delegates to increase Swedish rations in certain particulars in return for Swedes sending supplies to Finland.

I am [etc.]

Richard Crawford