740.0011 European War 1939/605: Telegram
The Minister in Estonia (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:25 p.m.]
66. Have just seen Acting Foreign Minister. He states that Soviet demands also include garrisons. First meeting in Moscow scheduled for 12 noon today. No military measures being taken in Estonia and military authorities instructed avoid any action that might lead to incident.
He has no confirmation as yet that any ship was torpedoed in Gulf of Finland. Vessel referred to in my 63, September 27, 10 p.m.,7 was first observed stationary at considerable distance off Narva early yesterday morning. It was joined by three small Soviet warships about 3 p.m. They were all visible until dark and there was neither sign nor sound of an explosion. Press chief added that reports from Finland and other Baltic States cast further doubt on Soviet allegation. Estonian Government has considered possibility issuing démenti but fears to take action because of extreme gravity of the situation. He hopes that somehow the “truth” will find its way into the American press.
- Not printed.↩