760d.61/277: Telegram

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

254. Minister of Foreign Affairs asked me as a personal matter today in what manner Finnish Government could best convey to our Government its appreciation of action taken lately at Moscow on behalf of Finland. I intimated that perhaps it might desire to send a personal message from the President of Finland to the President of the United States through the Finnish Minister at Washington.

Spontaneous expressions of gratitude have been universal among all classes here and marked by obvious sincerity. In referring to this today the Minister for Foreign Affairs said warmth of feeling aroused here by your action was measure of depth of anxiety in every Finnish heart. Incidental circumstance seems to be complete disillusion among elements previously inclined to count on support from Germany with [Page 975] increased tendency to look to the United States as source of strength in time of trial.

Schoenfeld