758.60d/160: Telegram (part air)

The Minister in Finland (Schoenfeld) to the Secretary of State

97. See last paragraph my telegram No. 92, May 25.7 Minister for Foreign Affairs told me today that Soviet Government had made no further reference to previously proposed cession of Seiskari and Levansaari Islands in exchange for certain small areas in Soviet Karelia. [Page 955] He said spontaneously that for his part firm offer of Repola and Porajärvi districts as well as Soviet part of Kalastajasaarento8 peninsula off Petsamo and certain minor rectifications elsewhere might be considered as compensation. He refrained however from intimating any admission that such a deal had been suggested in relation to the attempted Soviet obstruction of Aland Island plan.

I am positive that Finnish Government was prepared to be as patient as required by its knowledge of Russian methods in awaiting Soviet advances and intended meanwhile to proceed with its plans in the Aland Islands as reported in my telegram No. 96 today.9

Mailed to Moscow.

Schoenfeld
  1. Not printed.
  2. Rybachi, or Fisherman’s peninsula.
  3. Not printed. The Finnish Government desired to accomplish the refortification of the Åland Islands.