860D.00/1248: Telegram
The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:37 p.m.]
1749. Counselor of Soviet Legation, Iartsev, who spent 5 years in Soviet Legation, Helsinki, prior to Winter War made following statements to officer of Legation:
There is no difference between present Finnish Government and last one. There is little possibility of parliamentary opposition to seize control of Government. Financial power of Ryti, party organization of Tanner, and industrial power of Walden81 cannot be challenged by any leaders of parliamentary opposition. Suggestions that others might oust present Government if they had assurances from Soviets regarding peace terms are therefore out of question.
Finns have high regard for relations with United States but should be made to realize that America insists their disassociating themselves from Germany and this can be done only by complete removal of American Legation from Helsinki.
While Soviet Government has not admitted right of Baltic States to independence it has repeatedly stated that Finland and Poland would be independent after war.
While above remarks were made in informal conversation believe they are significant because Iartsev is reputedly considered principal expert on Finnish affairs in Stockholm Soviet Legation and probably important reporter to Moscow on this subject.
- Gen. Karl R. Walden, Finnish Minister of Defense.↩