861.00/5333: Telegram
The Commissioner at Helsingfors (Haynes) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:54 p.m.]
442. Dorpat meeting of Baltic Provinces decided that Lithuania, Latvia, Esthonia will begin preliminary peace pourparlers with Bolsheviki about October 25th; Bolsheviki have been so informed. On or about that date Finland must inform the other Baltic Provinces what it will do. Finnish Diet meets October 18th or 20th to decide whether Finland will join the other three Baltic Provinces or await the wishes of the great Powers (see my 435, September 26, 11 p.m.). None of the Baltic Provinces will make a separate peace before October 25th; after that date any one or more can make peace but not if all other Baltic Provinces agree to unite military forces with such one or more to fight Bolsheviki. It was decided at this conference to ask the Allied and Associated Powers when may the Baltic Provinces enter into commercial relations with the Bolsheviki, it being realized that peace would mean only an armistice.
Germany has stated her price to Finland for quelling its Red revolution; namely, 80,000,000 rei[ch]smarks. Holsti states since [Page 722] Clemenceau’s declaration that Aland will go to Sweden, Germany is saying to Finland: “Sweden, who refused to help you quell your rebellion, is given part of your territory to reward her.” Finland will never forgive the Allies if Aland is taken away. A more peaceful solution could be made after a few years.