740.00119 Control (Finland)/7–2945: Telegram
The United States Representative in Finland ( Hamilton ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:40 p.m.]
404. Shepherd, British representative, has left for London for consultation. Has not been there since arrival about 9 months ago.
Shepherd will presumably discuss with his Govt problems arising out of new procedure in ACC under which British have enlarged participation. Under present procedure Russian proposals are put into effect, though British may make observations. Presumably British element would have to take definite stand in opposition and affirm necessity of reference British Govt to halt carrying out by Russians of their proposals. Before he left Shepherd and I discussed modification in armistice terms which Russians recently proposed to Finnish Govt and Finnish Cabinet accepted (see my 402, July 28).53 Effecting alterations in armistice terms by procedure followed presents difficult questions. Shepherd feels article 14 of armistice obligating Finland to return to Soviet Union materials removed from Soviet territory is presenting special difficulty. Even discounting Finnish versions apparently Finns being confronted with considerable and unexpected Soviet claims. Shepherd feels there should not [now?] be definitive peace treaty with Finland. Hopes this would regularize and make definite situation.54 I agree, provided treaty could supplant [Page 619] provisions of armistice agreement and make definite such few of the armistice provisions (such as reparations provisions) as would necessarily continue in effect.
Repeated to Moscow as my 97, to London as my 37 and to Stockholm as my 91.
- Not printed; in this telegram, the United States Representative informed the Department that at the July 25 meeting of the Allied Control Commission, the Russians proposed modifications of the armistice agreement, such as the return of certain airfields to the Finns, and the granting of permission for clear telegraphic communications by the diplomatic representatives of other countries in Finland. (740.00119 Control (Finland)/7–2845)↩
- The United States Representative informed the Department in telegram 412, August 2, 1945, from Helsinki, that “the British element (Allied Control Commission) has received instructions to take stiffer attitude in Allied Control Commission meetings when questions arise involving application armistice provisions.” (740.00119 Control (Finland)/8–245)↩