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

740.00119 European War 1939/1393: Telegram

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

Helsinki, April 10, 1943—6 p.m.
[Received April 11—5:29 a.m.]

542. My 541 today.⁵³ The following aide-mémoire dated April 10 was handed me by the Finnish Foreign Minister at 4 p.m.

1. “The Finnish Government have carefully considered the memorandum of the Legation of the United States of America, dated March 20th.⁵⁴

2. “The Finnish Government have not been able to find any indication, nor have they received any information tending to prove that the initiation of the suggested conversations with the Government of the USSR would, in the prevailing circumstances, lead to lasting guarantees for the future of Finland for which Finland is fighting, with great sacrifices, since 1939. The Finnish people have, therefore, no other way than to continue their war of defense until the maintenance of the independence, freedom and democratic institutions of Finland is safeguarded and the menace to Finland has been removed. Consequently the Finnish Government is not in a position to enter into the suggested conversations.

3. “Appreciating the good will of the American Government towards Finland the Finnish Government wish to reassure the American Government that it is their sincere desire to maintain the friendly relations between Finland and the United States.[”]

McClintock

53. Not printed.
54. See telegram No. 43, March 19, 6 p.m., to the Chargé in Finland, p. 250.