760i.6111/73
The Chargé in Estonia (Leonard) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 25.]
Sir: I have the honor to refer to my despatch No. 169 of October 2, 1939, and to my telegram No. 77 of October 3, 1939,30 relative to the text of the Soviet-Estonian Mutual Assistance Pact.
As indicated in my telegram of October 3, I learned confidentially from a reliable source that accompanying the Soviet-Estonian Pact there were secret clauses (1) providing for a maximum Soviet military force in Estonia not to exceed 25,000 men, and (2) granting the Soviets the privilege of using the harbor of Tallinn for a period of two years as a place in which to store provisions, coal, munitions, etc., which also means that Soviet ships may take on provisions in the harbor of Tallinn.
I am further informed that the Soviets may keep in the harbor of Tallinn not more than six warships, namely two cruisers or battleships and four destroyers or corresponding war vessels. However, this arrangement seems to be merely an understanding, for I do not find that it is included either in the text of the pact or in the secret protocol.
In connection with the above, I have been informed that the Soviets originally suggested a force of 35,000 men to be stationed by them in Estonia, but that the number was reduced to 25,000 upon the plea of the Estonians. In fact, I am told that for some time to come the Russians have stated that they do not intend to place more than 21,000 men in Estonia.
[Page 954]Relative to the use of the harbor of Tallinn as a storage place for the Soviets, I am informed that the Soviets wished this privilege for the period of the duration of the present European war, but that the Estonians’ preference to have it fixed at two years was acceded to. During these two years it is anticipated that the Port of Paldiski will be built up by the Soviets and at the end of that time there will be no further need for using the harbor and environs of Tallinn.
Respectfully yours,
- Neither printed.↩