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

860D.4061 Motion Pictures/70: Telegram

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

Helsinki, via Stockholm, November 5, 1942—3 p.m.
[Received November 6—8:20 a.m.]

1068. We have been trying since February 4 (see my 93 that date to Department, 15 to you⁴⁹) to obtain raw film for Finland which as subsequent telegrams over these 9 months have indicated has become chief obstacle to continuing distribution of American motion pictures in this country. Our most recent appeal for prompt action (my 1004, October 21 to Department⁵⁰) has so far gone unanswered. It is certain that our fight will now be lost and American films will be banned in this country after December 31⁵¹ unless immediate support is forthcoming in way of providing raw film for Finland. Please act.

Schoenfeld

49. Not printed; the telegram sent to Stockholm was numbered 15.
50. Not printed.
51. Efforts were being pushed by Germany to compel suppression of American films in Finland. Certain of the Finnish film agencies (Adams Filmi, Suomi Filmi) abetted these German attempts, and the decision had been reached that there would be no importation of American films after December 31, 1942, and no showings in theaters after March 31, 1943.