214. Telegram From the Embassy in Finland to the Department of State0
441. Reference: Army Attache message C–11.1 British Ambassador informed me today that his government had acceded to request presented by President Kekkonen when he visited London last spring that it “close its eyes to enlargement in size Finnish armed forces above maximum fixed by Paris Peace Treaty”. British agreement conditional on Finnish assurance that Soviets are also willing “close their eyes”.
British Government has not, however, consented to Kekkonen’s other request that it permit “re-interpretation of treaty to allow Finnish equipment with guided missiles”. London felt last May and gives evidence of still feeling that it would be contrary to principle of sanctity of treaties to acquiesce to this request under fiction of “re-interpretation” of treaty. London apparently believes that for this alteration in treaty Finns should approach all signatories and secure proper legal waiver of conditions.
British Embassy has been requested by Finnish Government consent to visit to London by Bjorkenheim, Finnish Defense Minister, and has been told that he will take up in London re-interpretation of treaty to permit guided missiles to which Soviets have already given their consent during recent Bjorkenheim visit in Moscow. (Soviets have also offered supply missiles.) British Ambassador has forwarded Finnish request with favorable recommendation.
He hopes that London will at least allow visit though it has shown itself reluctant do so. He has no reason at moment to believe London disposed change its attitude re guided missiles though he hopes it will. I believe he may fear that if British consent is withheld, Finns will not bother with lengthy and possibly complicated efforts revise treaty legally with consent all parties but will, with Soviet connivance and even maybe under Soviet pressure, simply ignore it.