860D.00/1017: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Finland (McClintock)
243. Your 1223, December 14; 1235, December 15; and 1239, December 17.5 American press and radio featuring story that Prime Minister and other high Finnish officials attended reception December 8th at Japanese Legation in Helsinki celebrating the attack on Pearl Harbor. Reports cite fact pictures shown of burning American warships and that Rangell and others toasted Japan with shouts of “banzai”.
Story broken unofficially by OWI6 with material released virtually same as that broadcast shortwave in Finnish and Danish languages by Schenectady station on December 17th. Source of information not given.
Finnish Legation issued statement this morning to following effect: it had received official Finnish version that film of Pearl Harbor attack was shown at tea party at Japanese Legation; that guests knew nothing beforehand of planned program; denies knowledge of alleged congratulations addressed by Rangell and others to Japanese Minister;7 and concludes that there is no reason, from Finnish point of view, why invitations to social events should be declined when arranged by foreign legations in Finnish capital. (Repeat to Stockholm).
[Page 118]Please report fully on extent of reproduction of story in Finnish press and radio and popular reaction to publication of story in United States.