860D.00/885: Telegram

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

1033. The Soviet press announced today without comment’ in a Tass despatch from Helsinki the reorganization of the Finnish Government noting particularly the elimination of Tanner as Minister of [Page 340] Supply. Reference in this connection is made to the Embassy’s 909, July 25, 6 p.m.49 which indicated that one of the reasons for the return of the Finnish Minister here to Helsinki was to attempt to bring about a reorganization of the Finnish Government and the exclusion of certain political figures, in particular Tanner, who were regarded by the Soviet Government as anti-Soviet. The Moscow press recently has refrained from the publication of any news items or comment hostile to the present Finnish Government or to alleged persecutions of the Finnish working class, a lull, however, which may only be temporary.

Repeated to Helsinki.

Thurston
  1. Not printed.