760d.1.61/631: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 5—4:15 p.m.]
1024. My 1022, December 5, 3 p.m.18 The Swedish Minister informed me this afternoon that when he called on Molotov last night he first inquired whether the Soviet Government had reached a decision with respect to the proposed representation of Finnish interests by the Swedish Government. Molotov replied that as the Soviet Government no longer recognizes the Helsinki Government since it considers the Finnish Government to be that headed by Kuusinen, it must definitely reject the request that the Swedish Legation in Moscow take over the representations of Finnish interests.
The Swedish Minister then handed to Molotov a note (the text of which he showed to me) conveying a statement on behalf of the Finnish Government at Helsinki that it desired to submit new proposals for the peaceful solution of the existing conflict and inquiring whether the Soviet Government was prepared to resume negotiations. Molotov accepted the note but promptly replied that the Finnish proposal could not be considered since the Soviet Government would neither resume negotiations nor have any other dealings with the Helsinki Government.
The Swedish Minister stated that Molotov had remained calm and courteous during the interview in contrast with their last meeting. He gained the impression that the Soviet Government is entirely satisfied with the present situation, anticipates little difficulty in carrying out its objectives in Finland, and is determined not to accept intervention of any third party.
[Page 1024]In conclusion the Minister remarked that he anticipated the possibility of the formation of a coalition government in Sweden to be composed of all parties excepting the Communist. Under such a coalition Hansson presumably would remain as Prime Minister although Sandler might leave the Foreign Office and the Conservatives be given one or more portfolios as he believes the Finnish situation might now induce the Conservatives to alter their former policy of non-collaboration with the Socialist Government.
- Not printed.↩