740.00119 Control (Finland)/10–1344: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union ( Harriman )
2423. Dept is anxious as soon as possible to send to Finland a representative of this Government (probably a Foreign Service officer) to look after specific American interests and American citizens in Finland as well as for purposes of general information. The question, however, rises as to the status of such an official. Dept does not consider it desirable at this time to have any such official accredited in any way, even as a consular representative, to the Finnish Government and since this Government is not a signatory to the armistice terms, no American official could be a member of the control commission.4
It has been suggested here that if the Soviet and British Governments were agreeable an American official could be designated as a liaison officer between this Government and the control commission with the understanding that his duties and activities would be confined to American interests or to American citizens in Finland.
Before reaching a decision on this question Dept would like the benefit of your views as to the attitude of the Soviet Government towards sending an American representative to Finland and your [Page 625] comment on his proposed status. Following receipt of your suggestions we will of course also take up the matter with British Government but do not anticipate any difficulties from that quarter.