462.00R296/5185
The Secretary of State to the Finnish Minister ( Aström )
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note dated October 8, 1931, in which you state that it is your understanding that payments on the debt of the Government of Finland to the Government of the United States, due on December 15, 1931, and June 15, 1932, are not expected by the Government of the United States to be made on the dates mentioned.
In reply I have the honor to enclose a copy of the public statement by the President of the United States, June 20, 1931,3 in which it was stated that subject to confirmation by Congress, the American Government will postpone all payments upon the debts of foreign governments to the American Government payable during the fiscal year [Page 204] beginning July 1, 1931, conditional on a like postponement for one year on all payments of intergovernmental debts owing the important creditor powers.
It is understood that the Government of Finland is not a creditor in respect of intergovernmental debts, reparations and relief debts. This Government, therefore, believes that the Government of Finland, so far as it is concerned, will have no difficulty in accepting unconditionally the President’s Proposal as set forth in his statement of June 20, 1931. I should appreciate receiving a statement of the attitude of the Government of Finland in this regard.
The Department of State is not in a position at the present time to supplement with any additional declaration the President’s Proposal of June 20, 1931, the execution of which remains dependent on the conditions therein stated.
Accept [etc.]