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

221. Source mentioned preceding telegram numbered 2181 today gave me following information:

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Final decision had not been taken as to how GOF will reply to Soviet note, whether by written note or orally through diplomatic channel. Decision will be taken tomorrow. He favors reply by note. Present draft note is short, does not mention Germany, or acknowledge validity Soviet contentions. He hopes that draft will be accepted and that reply will be by note which can be published and will record Finnish Government’s position for benefit other countries and especially of Finnish public. Published note advisable in view rumors to effect that there have been some secret exchanges that are not known to public. If reply is made orally through diplomatic channel, these rumors will tend find even more credence than at present.

Finns under no condition refuse to talk but will send to Moscow only small delegation headed by Foreign Minister and consisting entirely of civilians.

With regard to source’s statement that no mention of East Germany would be made in note, I remarked that, speaking without instructions and entirely on a basis of personal opinion, I had wondered why reference to West German rearmament and statement this “cause for worry on Finland’s part” had been made in President’s television speech. That seemed rather inconsistent with other statement in this speech that NATO is founded on defensive intents. My informant said he could tell me in very greatest confidence that this reference had been added as an afterthought to speech almost at last minute before it was delivered.

When taking leave I emphasized that my remarks had been merely personal. He stated that his remarks are equally personal and expressed hope I would not communicate anything we had talked about to anyone else in Helsinki, adding that too many people were running around town repeating things and contributing to increased tensions in atmosphere.

It most important that this source be protected.

Gufler
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 660E.61/11–661. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution; No Distribution Outside Department.
  2. In telegram 218, Gufler reported that Hallama had inquired about reported U.S. diplomatic consultations with other Scandinavian states regarding action to take in response to the Soviet note. (Ibid.)