860d.01/10: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace

950. Your 988, March 1st, 6 p.m.

Department concurs in views of Mission. I believe impending elections4 should determine whether present government has people’s mandate. If this proves to be the case, I believe we should grant provisional recognition at once, not only to clarify situation, but also to steady the new government.

If elections fail to be conclusive I still believe we should send some message to the Consul at Helsingfors which will make it evident to the Finnish people that the people of the United States sympathize with their aspirations for independence and appreciate their desire for national existence.

Polk
  1. The elections were held Mar. 1.