861.00/6647

Memorandum by Mr. F. L. Belin, Division of Russian Affairs, Department of State

On Saturday, March 20, the Finnish Minister called at the Russian Division and left a copy of a telegram which he had received from his government which stated that the Bolsheviki had started attacks [Page 254] on the Finnish frontier from Lake Ladoga to the Arctic Ocean, in five distinct sections. Mr. Saastamoinen stated that his government was very much troubled and would appreciate the advice of the American Government in this situation.

Acting on the verbal instructions of Mr. Polk, I informed the Finnish Minister today that the Latvian and Polish Governments had inquired1 as to what would be the attitude of the United States Government in the event that they negotiated peace with the Bolsheviki and that they had been informed that as this Government was not in a position to furnish money, ammunition or supplies of any kind, it therefore did not feel in a position to give advice on this question, and that in general these governments should have to make the decision themselves.

The Finnish Minister was very grateful for this information which he said he would cable to his government at once.

F. L. Belin
  1. Vol. iii, pp. 644 and 376, respectively.