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

The Secretary of State to President Roosevelt ⁵⁹

Washington, April 19, 1943.

As you will recall, in recent discussions with Finnish Government with a view to arranging contact between Finns and Soviets, we had unmistakable evidence that Germans learning of our approaches brought increased pressure on Finns not to enter into any discussions with us with a view to any contact with Soviet Government. We also gathered impression Finns were greatly influenced by such German pressure. These impressions led us to believe no further advantage in continuing relations with Finns because of impossibility of accomplishing two principal objectives we had had in mind in continuing such relations, (a) the hope that we might bring about cessation of hostilities between Finns and Soviets, and (b) that presence of our diplomatic representation in Helsinki would be deterrent to Finnish acceptance of German pressure for cooperation with Germany.

In order to avoid losing any advantages which might result from continuing relations if there were any advantages in such continuation which in the opinion of the Soviet Government might affect their military situation, we had Standley ask the Soviets their opinion in that respect. Standley now reports⁶⁰ Molotov stated Soviet Government considers rupture of Finnish-American diplomatic relations would be advantageous to both Soviets and United States. Molotov raised the question of whether Procopé should not be sent home and whether he had communicated information to the Japanese.

We see no course now to pursue other than to proceed to the discontinuance of our diplomatic relations with Finland, based upon increased German pressure and lessening of Finnish freedom of action, but before proceeding, I shall await final word from you.

[Hull]

59. Copy of telegram obtained from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, N.Y. As of April 19, 1943, President Roosevelt was en route to Monterrey, Mexico, where he delivered an address in connection with a visit to the President of Mexico.
60. Ambassador Standley informed the Department in his telegram No. 305, April 15, 2 p.m., that Foreign Commissar Molotov had told him that “in the opinion of the Soviet Government it would be advisable from the point of view of our common interests … to discontinue American diplomatic relations with Finland as a means of putting pressure on the Finnish Government.” (740.00119 European War 1939/1414)