760D.61/1563: Telegram
The Minister in Sweden (Sterling) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:03 p.m.]
273. Finnish Minister77 has informed me of following situation.
He prefaced his statement by recounting that after peace was concluded with U. S. S. R. there was perhaps less feeling in Finland against Russia than against Germany because of latter’s passive acquiescence in the invasion, but due progressive demands on Finland after peace treaty (the Ålands, transit of troops to Hango, etc.) together with Soviet anti-Finnish propaganda, public sentiment had been reversed; there was a growing pro-German feeling among the people.
While at Helsinki recently he had conferences with unofficial War Cabinet composed of President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Minister of Defense. These Ministers were anti-Nazi but determined if possible not to be thrown into the arms of either neighbor; strictest neutrality was their aim. Increasing pro-German feeling in the country however was a serious menace to their policy and if not arrested might result in a change of Government. They were most concerned.
In order to counteract this pro-German movement, Minister said War Cabinet believed that it would be necessary for Soviet Government [Page 28] to show a more conciliatory spirit toward Finland. If for example Russians could be persuaded that it would be to their interest to fulfill strictly their obligations under the trade agreement (which was now practically dead because of no Russian deliveries); also not consider the nickel mine question from a political angle by insisting on a Bolshevik administration, anti-Soviet feeling would be lessened, the balance restored and it would be easier to maintain desired neutrality.
Finnish Minister had explained position to Swedish Government which was in entire accord. Both Hansson and Günther had stated to him that they would do what they could to influence Soviet Government in desired direction. Finally Minister inquired if United States Government would not also assist Finland in this way by appropriate instructions to Steinhardt.78
Repeated to Helsinki and Moscow.
- Jarl Axel Wasastjerna.↩
- In a memorandum of May 19 to the Acting Chief of the Division of European Affairs (Atherton), the Assistant Chief of that Division (Henderson) wrote: “In view of the present status of our relations with the Soviet Union and of the manner in which interventions from us have been received in the past by Soviet officials, I am sure that you will agree that now is certainly not the time for this Government to endeavor to persuade the Soviet Government to alter its policy with respect to Finland.” Mr. Atherton agreed.↩