Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1943, The British Commonwealth, Eastern Europe, the Far East, Volume III

740.0011 European War 1939/28033: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Finland (McClintock)

Washington, February 20, 1943—7 p.m.

35. 1. Please call upon Ryti as soon as possible to leave with him a memorandum³ in the following sense:

The American Government has not been unaware that for many months certain Finnish authorities have been intimidating and even taking drastic action against such Finns as have been inclined to maintain friendly relations with American officials and the United States. There is substantial evidence that these actions on the part of the Finnish officials concerned resulted from German pressure. It is understood that in the case of at least one individual, action has been taken against him⁴ by Finnish authorities on the basis of what amounts to his admitted preference for American to German friendships and that this was “injurious to Finland.”

It goes without saying that as far, at least, as the American Government is concerned, the Finnish Government is free to impose such restrictions upon the contacts of its citizens with foreign officials as it may deem necessary. However, if those restrictions are imposed under the circumstances and for the reasons heretofore applicable, the American Government is unable to see how it can logically be maintained by the Finnish Government that it is engaged in a “separate war.”

It is the understanding of the American Government that some aspects of this anomalous situation have recently been or shortly will be brought to the attention of President Ryti. The American Government is bringing its views on this subject to his attention in order that he may give them such weight as he deems appropriate under the circumstances.⁵

2. Foregoing has reference to your 315, February 19.⁶ However, we feel unable to be more specific with the Finnish Government in our references to that case. Hence, in whatever discussion arises from the memorandum, you should be guided accordingly.

3. If Ryti should turn the conversation to broader questions of policy we think it best at this time for you to adopt a negative attitude and merely undertake to report to us any statements he may care to make.

Hull

3. With respect to this memorandum for President Ryti, an officer of the Division of European Affairs advised the Secretary of State in a memorandum of February 20 that the message had the “aim of possibly saving the life of a person who has been a consistent and valuable friend to us.” (740.0011 European War 1939/28033)
4. This reference is to the confirmation by Finland’s highest military court of the death sentence passed on Maj. Max von Hellens of the Finnish Army, convicted in November 1942 for having given information on German military forces in the Soviet Union to an American military attaché in Finland.
5. A petition for clemency for Major von Hellens was sent to President Ryti, and although he upheld the court’s decision, Von Hellens was not executed. A second American note to Ryti on March 4, 1943, warned that execution of Von Hellens would “most seriously affect” future relations between the United States and Finland. (740.0011 European War 1939/28700) The case apparently came up for re-examination by Finnish authorities about mid-March. Von Hellen’s life was spared, and Swedish press reports in September 1944 stated that, upon the request of the Soviet Control Commission in Finland, Major Von Hellens had been released from prison.
6. Not printed.