Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1942, Europe, Volume II

860D.00/993: Telegram

The Minister in Finland (Schoenfeld) to the Secretary of State

Helsinki, December 1, 1942—4 p.m.
[Received 5:47 p.m.]

1181. Reliable information reaches me with reference to my 1173, November 28⁶⁷ that Social Democratic Party leadership has in fact decided for present not to agitate question of Cabinet reorganization or of positive change in foreign policy chiefly for fear of possible German reaction taking form of withholding supplies to Finland but possibly involving even more active measures.

I have no doubt fears of this kind are important factor in calculations not only of Social Democrats but of other political elements here who are seeking way out of impasse. Attendant sense of frustration seems for present to have led to determination merely to avoid any positive action in matters of foreign policy as well as on military front. It seems to be confirmed however that effort is being made unofficially to strengthen contact with Swedes as only possible firm bulwark in confusing cross currents now flowing. It seems also to be agreed that east Karelia annexation plans which were so prominent last year in Finnish Government’s mind have been reluctantly but substantially abandoned.⁶⁸

Schoenfeld

67. Not printed.
68. In summarizing Finnish public opinion as it seemed to be at the end of November 1942, the Minister explained in telegram No. 1192, December 5, 10 a.m., that “As for effect of America’s increasing might on outcome of war and where Finland would stand at its end Finns began to rationalize their increasing fear they had backed wrong horse, struck up argument of German invincibility and insisted Finland was not concerned in what was happening in more distant theaters of war.” The Minister reported further that “At moment most people seem to have adopted defeatist argument that Finland has no choice and must grimly hold to its present policy. Believers in ultimate German victory by which Finland will profit are still majority but dwindling and those who are actively thinking how to get Finland on winning side are still minority. Leaven is there, however, and ferment is growing,” (860D.00/999)