740.00119 European War 1939/1381: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley)
Washington, April
12, 1943—9 p.m.
227. Reference Department’s telegrams 210 and 212, April 9. When [Page 267] you see Molotov you may after talking with him along the lines suggested in the telegrams under reference:
- 1.
- Refer to your conversation with him of January 29 in which you outlined our policies with regard to Finland;
- 2.
- Remind him that two important considerations which have prompted us thus far to maintain diplomatic relations with Finland after our entry into the war have been (a) our hope that through our diplomatic contacts we might be helpful in effecting the withdrawal of Finland from her war against the Soviet Union, and (b) our belief that fear on the part of the Finnish authorities lest we sever relations with Finland has served as a deterrent to any inclination which they might have to increase aid to Germany, particularly aid of a military character on the northern front;
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- –a. Point out that the attitude of the Finnish Government which at present is under increased German pressure has so altered the situation as to bring us to the definite conclusion that further efforts on our part to bring about direct contact between the Finnish and Soviet Governments are at least for the time being useless.
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- –b. Furthermore we are convinced that under the generally altered situation the maintenance of diplomatic relations with Finland will no longer serve to the extent that it has in the past as a deterrent to Finnish aid to Germany.
- 4.
- This Government therefore purposes to discontinue diplomatic relations with Finland by the withdrawal of its diplomatic representation in Helsinki. (Consular representation has already been withdrawn.) You may add however, that having in mind immediate military considerations you are authorized to transmit to your Government any views that the Soviet Government may wish to convey for the early consideration of this Government.
Hull