740.0011 European War 1939/607: Telegram
The Minister in Estonia ( Wiley ) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 28—8:11 p.m.]
70. My 68, September 28, midnight [6 p.m.]. Am now informed that while agreement was reached formal signature may not yet have taken place. This regarded only as ceremonial detail. Concessions are stated to be as follows:
Soviet Union to have air and naval bases on western side of both Ösel and Dagö but cut off from rest of these two islands and naval base at Port of Baltiski;11 garrisons to be introduced gradually and not to exceed maximum previously reported. An entente with mutual support agreed upon for the duration of present hostilities. Am further informed that Government greatly relieved that conditions were not more exacting. Finland stated to be next on similar Soviet agenda, Latvia second. High official of the Foreign Office understands that Soviet-Estonian agreement was based on a compromise between Germany and Soviet Union whereby former recognized Soviet need for Baltic foothold but on condition that countries involved should remain intact.
- Paldiski; Baltic Port.↩