500.C111/1139: Telegram
The Consul General at Geneva (Tittmann) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 16—1:17 p.m.]
326. Reference Consulate’s 322, December 13, Part 1, paragraphs 4, 5, and Q.29 Holsti, the Finnish permanent delegate, told me this afternoon that it was his understanding that the League Secretariat would act as a kind of clearing house of information and center of communication between Finland and members of the League desiring to give aid to Finland and any non-members desiring to coordinate their aid with that of League members. It is not the intention, however, that the League should act in any way as a purchasing or transport agent. Holsti had seen Avenol this morning who explained that it was necessary to know in detail what the Finnish requirements were before the Secretariat could take action. Avenol was informed that an emissary of the Finnish Government was expected to arrive in Geneva with this information some time next week.
Some observers have expressed doubts as to whether the Swiss Government might not object to such activity on the part of the League Secretariat on Swiss territory but Holsti said in his opinion the Swiss Government would not raise objections but would undoubtedly insist that great discretion be exercised in connection therewith. Repeated to Paris.