Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1940, General, Volume I

760D.6111/92: Telegram

The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Thurston) to the Secretary of State

Moscow, April 6, 1940—9 a.m.
[Received April 6—7:45 a.m.]

355. The Swedish Minister informed me last evening that negotiations between the Finnish and the Soviet representatives with respect to post-war adjustments are proceeding satisfactorily and in an amicable atmosphere and that Paasikivi probably will return to Helsinki next Tuesday.¹⁷ Diplomatic relations between the two countries will be reestablished in the near future and it is understood that the Soviet Minister now in Riga will be appointed to Helsinki.¹⁸

The Minister is of the opinion that the evacuation of ceded territory and its occupation by the Soviets is being carried out without undue difficulties and that the joint Finnish-Soviet commission establishing the new boundary line is operating in conformity with the requirements of natural and economic factors.

Mr. Assarsson had no knowledge of any expansion of the Soviet demands upon Finland, rumors of which have been circulated here, especially in connection with an alleged effort to acquire the nickel deposits in the Petsamo zone.

Thurston

17. April 9.
18. Ivan S. Zotov arrived in Helsinki on April 6 and presented his credentials as the Soviet Minister in Finland on May 23. Dr. Juno Kusti Paasikivi was appointed Finnish Minister in the Soviet Union on April 7.