711.60D/113: Telegram
The Minister in Finland (Schoenfeld) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 18—3:28 p.m.]
1120. I am reminded by your 225, November 16, of pressure successfully exerted by Axis in fall of 1938 for withdrawal of Holsti53 as Finnish Foreign Minister. Although conditions in Witting’s case may not be the same, any activity on my part along lines indicated in your instruction seems expedient only if it proves successful. My intervention might have effect of checking growing weakness of Witting’s position among influential elements here on grounds of resisting foreign pressure. In that case my relations with him would be impaired below their present point of usefulness if they are not already seriously so because of his probable knowledge that I have no confidence in him.
Reference in your telegram to possibility of rapprochement with us if Witting is removed seems to imply that he and his Ministry are considered main obstacle to such possibility. This supposition I am afraid exaggerates their real importance in present political picture here which continues to be overshadowed by President Ryti himself and in all essentials reflects his personal direction of affairs.
[Page 95]Consequently if and when I start circulating statements suggested in your 225, I can expect to be confronted with at least two questions, firstly, as to qualifications of possible successor to Witting and secondly, as to practical basis for possible rapprochement with us. To answer such queries it may seem advisable to you that I should have further instructions before acting on your 225.
- Rudolf Holsti, who became permanent Finnish delegate at the League of Nations.↩