740.00119 European War 1939/1281: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union ( Standley )
90. Your 148, February 11, 5 p.m.88 We do not believe that it is desirable for you to seek at this time a special interview with Molotov in order to raise again the Finnish question. However, if on your return to Moscow you will see him on other matters there is no objection, on the basis of his statement to you that he was referring our views to his Government, to your asking him what the reaction of his Government had been to your previous conversations. Should Molotov inquire whether this Government has any knowledge of the attitude of the Finnish Government towards the possibility of peace negotiations, you may reply that we have not sounded out the Finnish Government and that we would prefer not to express an opinion as to the possible reaction of the Finnish Government to such a sounding until we have had an opportunity to study the results of the Finnish elections scheduled for February 15. If he is interested in our views as to the possible reaction of the Finnish Government to an approach on this subject, we should be glad to communicate our views to him as soon as we have been able to formulate them.
[Page 236]For your information only: The Swedish Government is showing great interest in the possibilities inherent in this situation and a disposition to do everything that it can to further peace negotiations between the Soviet Union and Finland. They, however, also wish to await the results of the Finnish elections before forming a definite opinion as to the advisability of approaching the Finns at this time.
- Not printed; in this telegram Ambassador Standley reported that Molotov would advise his Government on the United States policy toward Finland; the Ambassador inquired whether the Department wished him to endeavor to obtain Soviet approval for that policy.↩