860D.001/24: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 23—2:40 p.m.]
1769. My 1740, December 17, 1 p.m.85 Although the Soviet press has refrained from any direct comment on the election of Ryti as President of Finland, today’s newspapers reproduce what appears to be a full summary of the speech which he is said to have made yesterday including a quotation of the portion concerning the desire of the Finnish people to maintain friendly and good neighborly relations with the Soviet Union as well as with Germany and Sweden. While not conclusive the reproduction of Ryti’s speech would appear to indicate that the Soviet Government is not displeased with the election of Ryti.
Repeated to Helsinki.
- Not printed.↩