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

224. Telegram From the Embassy in Finland to the Department of State⁰

Helsinki, September 9, 1960, 8 p.m.

192. After discussion with my staff and reviewing proposed action program of February 1¹ in light current situation in Finland, as stated by telegram 172² am submitting following proposals many which can be related to my earlier suggestions. Likewise would welcome Department’s thinking of new or supplemental measures US could take with respect to Finland since Embassy in next few weeks will submit an elaboration of its proposed program. In message I do not wish to repeat Embassy comment in my letter May 5 to Director BNA with respect to status report on Department agreed action program³ since we hope it will be feasible to press forward oppose items.

New or re-emphasized proposals follow in outline:

(1) Examine feasibility even at this late date of extending invitation President Kekkonen visit US in event UK extends such invitation which, according British Ambassador, now being studied. His role in Finland is so decisive that it indispensable he gain first hand impression to offset his respect and admiration for Soviet personalities and accomplishments. If not feasible would strongly recommend making a proposal early next year.

(2) Would recommend Department keep in mind possibility of visit to Finland of new US President next year.

(3) Since now understand President has gained good reading knowledge English, systematically with Department’s help transmit to him carefully selected material giving US viewpoint in significant fields.

(4) Seek obtain visit US of ranking government figures such as Trade and Industry Minister Karjalainen on short duration leader grants since such men unable remain long away from Finland.

(5) At Mannerheim stamp ceremonies Washington October 26 use occasion for policy statement of US interest in Finland by Secretary or Under Secretary. In comparable ceremonies Helsinki, depending on US official attending, arrange for similar speech to be made before some Finnish organization echoing policy interest.

(6) In giving greater attention to need to emphasize US presence in Finland, systematically arrange that all appropriate US ranking officials and cultural presentations when known to be scheduled for visits to Europe to include Finland on itineraries. This essential to help counter movement Soviet bloc activity.

(7) Arrange for cooperation with UK in activities and programs in Finland.

Sessions

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.60E/9–960. Secret. Repeated to London.
1. Reference is to the proposals contained in Document 216.
2. In telegram 172 from Helsinki, September 5, Ambassador Sessions reported that the situation in Finland had passed beyond the stage where the steps outlined in telegram 1466 to London (Document 223) would solve problems. He promised to submit a new action plan by September 9. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.60E/9–560)
3. Under cover of a letter to Ambassador Sessions dated April 4, Willoughby forwarded a status report containing Department decisions and comments on the 24 Embassy proposals included in Document 216. On May 5, Sessions mailed back his comments on the original status report. (Department of State, Helsinki Embassy Files: Lot 65 F 78, 350–U.S. Program for Finland)