740.00119 European War 1939/1007: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Finland (Schoenfeld)
114. Following telegram has been sent to Steinhardt in connection with subject matter of your 434, May 26.
“We are inclined to believe approach mentioned in your 456 was unauthorized. Schoenfeld holds similar opinion. However, in order that no real opportunity be lost to effect Finland’s withdrawal from the war, we think it desirable that you inform your Finnish colleague in effect as follows:
“We are ready to be of assistance to his or the Soviet Government in reaching a peaceful settlement of their differences, if requested to do so. However, it is our understanding that the Soviet Government now feels that any initiative for such a settlement must come from the Finnish Government. Hence, before giving further consideration to approaching the Soviet Government to ascertain its reaction to the Minister’s intimations, we feel it desirable to be informed categorically whether his approach to you was under specific instructions from his [Page 62] Government, and if so, to be given a clearer definition of the terms on which his Government would be willing to make a settlement.92
“Repeated to Helsinki.”
It is not suggested that you initiate any discussion of foregoing matter at time mentioned last paragraph your telegram under reference.
- Some discussion of the possibility of peace between Finland and the Soviet Union took place between President Roosevelt and the Peopled Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union, Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Molotov, during the latter’s visit in Washington. See the third paragraph of the memorandum by Mr. Samuel H. Cross of the morning conversations on Monday, June 1, 1942, vol. iii, p. 578.↩