760E.13/3–350: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Legation in Finland 1

secret

49. Urtels 1102 and 111 Mar 3.3 Dept of course convinced that inclusion any commies new Finn cabinet would be extremely unwise and would not mollify Soviets but only encourage increased Sov [Page 578] pressure. However Dept does not wish you lay yourself open to charge of interference Finn domestic matter. Probably Paasikivi felt obliged for tactical reasons to request party leaders consider inclusion commies but would only consent to their actual inclusion as result his mature judgment on what is best for Finn long term interests. We approve line you have taken in pointing out discreetly in reply to direct questions by reliable political friends bad effect on US public opinion, which would be aggravated if key posts involved such as associate Fonamin.

Acheson
  1. This telegram was drafted by Benjamin M. Hulley, Officer in Charge of Northern European Affairs, Bureau of European Affairs.
  2. Supra.
  3. Not printed.