Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, Europe, Volume IV

740.00116 E.W./12–1445: Telegram

The Chargé in Finland (Hulley) to the Secretary of State

Helsinki, December 14, 1945—4 p.m.
[Received 10:07 p.m.]

769. Soviets are taking increasingly serious view of war responsibles trial I learned at FonOff. A new Colonel General sent by Moscow specially to attend trial arrived yesterday.

Paasikivi spoke nearly 2 hours yesterday to conference of chief editors stressing seriousness of situation. He stated Govt is committed to carry out trial and if nation desires different action it must have new Govt. He asked press to abstain from obstructing program if it could not support it.

Ryti’s defense speech was withheld by censor from press at instance of ACC. It contained nothing new or startling but was largely a review of events from 1939 onwards.⁶⁹ Foreign Office official regards censorship as unfortunate since it had effect of arousing support for accused.

I attended trial for brief period today during dull session with long prepared speech by defense attorney but tense atmosphere was noticeable. Court only half full but conspicuous were Soviet officers in distinguished visitors’ seats and Soviet press men.

Last night I talked with progressive member of Diet who expressed probably majority Finnish opinion. He spoke of “so-called war responsibles” and his whole attitude revealed inability to see any grounds for trial or that accused are more responsible than anyone else in Finland. He said Diet members were discussing what sentences should be imposed on accused. Evidently they favor acquittal but are discussing what minimum penalty would satisfy Soviets.

Hulley

69. In telegram 791, December 22, 1945, from Helsinki, the Chargé summarized the Ryti speech at length and concluded: “On balance publication of many parts of this speech full of insincerity, half truths, malice and material irrelevant to accusations, would not be calculated to do Finland anything but harm in present tense relations it could only be offensive to USSR and it could not contribute to building up confidence between USSR and Western Powers.” (860D.00/12–2245)