740.00119 European War/2294a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Finland (Gullion)
66. President issued following statement today:67
“It has always seemed odd to me and to the people of the United States to find Finland a partner of Nazi Germany, fighting side by side with the sworn enemies of our civilization.
The Finnish people now have a chance to withdraw from this hateful partnership. The longer they stay at Germany’s side the more sorrow and suffering is bound to come to them. I think I can speak for all Americans when I say that we sincerely hope Finland will now take the opportunity to disassociate herself from Germany.”
- President Roosevelt’s statement was given to Foreign Minister Ramsay, who had requested an exact text of it, by the Chargé in Finland on March 17 in an aide-mémoire (not printed).↩