213. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Finland0
272. Deptel 198.1 Program to make up to $10 million available for possible military assistance to Finland nearing completion. As indicated reftel no Government to Government agreement will be required. Practicable effect would be to enable Finns purchase US equipment (classified equipment on case by case basis) through private channels at discount prices. No offer of assistance would be made. Envisage informing Finnish Military Attache here that US equipment could be made available on terms accommodating to Finland’s special requirements. Next step would be up to Finns. Publicity, if any, would occur only from fact private purchases made. Believe program conforms with recommendations Embdes 253.2
Objectives are to strengthen Finnish links with West and bolster morale and Western orientation of Finnish military authorities. Request Embassy comments soonest on merits program in terms these objectives.3
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 760E.5/2–1462. Top Secret; Limited Distribution. Drafted by Christensen; cleared by BNA, RA, the Bureau of Budget, and Department of Defense; and approved by Burdett.↩
- Telegram 198, December 6, 1961, requested the Embassy’s comments on a Department of Defense proposal to make $10 million in military assistance available to Finland and on the possibility of a Finnish approach for aid. (Ibid., 760E.5/12–661)↩
- Despatch 253, November 27, 1961, provided a military appraisal of Finland. (Ibid., 760E.5/11–2761)↩
- In telegram 435, February 15, Gufler responded that the proposed program would meet Finnish needs while reinforcing its “Free World orientation.” (Ibid., 760E.5/2–1562)↩