Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Eastern Europe; Finland; Greece; Turkey, Volume X, Part 2

220. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Finland⁰

Washington, March 23, 1960, 12:52 p.m.

507. Paris for USRO and Emb, Brussels for USEC and Emb. Finnish Ambassador March 18 raised with Dept question possible Finnish membership or association EFTA which will be discussed between Finns and EFTA study group in Geneva March 22. Dept informing him, Helsinki should inform Govt. Finland and govts of other addressee posts may be informed as you consider appropriate along following lines:

1. Question Finnish relationship EFTA is one for Finland and the Seven to decide in first instance. US overall views re EEC, EFTA and related questions are well known to Finland and other interested parties. Moreover present situation very fluid with early discussions to take place in Paris pursuant resolution adopted by 20 governments and EEC Commission last January. (For basic US views re Six and Seven see Dept Cirtel 840 Dec 20, 1959.)¹

2. Irrespective broad US views re EEC and EFTA, US recognizes Finnish interest EFTA both in relation July 1 date and longer term. We appreciate fully possible political and economic advantages to Finland and benefit to West in close Finnish link with Western European trade arrangement. Therefore US desires that Finland and the Seven be aware that US would view favorably Finnish membership or association EFTA provided parties directly concerned desire it. However US reserves right examine arrangements between Finland and EFTA for conformity GATT standards and adequate protection third country interests. Therefore Dept hopes will be understood that US attitude re principle of Finnish/EFTA association can not constitute advance agreement on specifics to be negotiated. Believe entire postwar record makes clear US sympathetic interest and support for Finland and recognition special problems it faces.

Herter

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 375.42/3–2360. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Jacob M. Myerson; cleared by the Office of the Under Secretary of State, the Executive Secretariat, the Bureaus of European Affairs (EUR) and Economic Affairs (E), and the Offices of Regional European Affairs (RA), International Trade (OT), and British Commonwealth and Northern European Affairs (BNA); and approved by Dillon who signed for Herter. Repeated to London, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Bern, Vienna, Lisbon, Paris, and Brussels.
1. Circular telegram 840 set forth the basic U.S. position toward the European Economic Community and the European Free Trade Association in light of Under Secretary of State Dillon’s talks with European leaders in December 1959. (Ibid., 398.00–PA/12–2059)