740.00119 European War 1939/1329: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 14—12:12 p.m.]
155. For the Acting Secretary. Our [Your] 126, March 9, 10 p.m. After referring to our conversation of [January] 2927 I read to Molotov last evening a carefully prepared statement setting forth all the considerations contained in your telegram. Molotov at first stated that the answer to your proposal would depend on the attitude of the present Finnish Government and asked me how the American Government evaluated that attitude; specifically whether there were any indications that the Finns desired to withdraw from the war and initiate negotiations. I replied that we had not sounded out the present Finnish Government on the matter and therefore had no definite information; that as I had stated we were prepared to do so but we thought it would be helpful if we knew for our personal guidance whether if we obtained indications that the Finns desired peace the Soviet Government would accept the United States as an intermediary. I added that in my opinion there must be some basis for the belief that the Finns desired peace otherwise any [my?] Government would not have made the proposal to act as intermediary. Molotov then stated “he was, of course, interested in the proposal; however, to judge whether it would be advisable to adopt a positive decision in the matter it was necessary to ascertain whether there are any prospects of success”. He repeatedly expressed interest in our evaluation of the Finnish desire to withdraw from the war and I stated that I would seek your views on this question.
Molotov promised to inform his Government of your proposal and to communicate with me again.
Throughout the conversation he made no mention whatsoever in regard to the conditions of peace.