740.00119 Control (Finland)/3–1545: Telegram
The United States Representative in Finland (Hamilton) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:09 p.m.]
103. I called on March 13 on Zhdanov; he had been away most of the time since my arrival. I mentioned my visit to Leningrad last May and the fortitude of the Leningrad people in withstanding the siege.29 Zhdanov said they had been encouraged by the attitude of freedom-loving democratic peoples throughout the world and also by the tangible assistance extended by American Lend Lease. He said that tactically Leningrad’s defence was more important than that of Stalingrad30 and was principally responsible for the Red Army’s ability to push into East Prussia. Zhdanov extended congratulations on forcing of the Rhine at Remagen.31
I referred to a statement made last May when I was in Moscow by the Soviet scientist Peter Kapitsa32 on the presentation to him of the Franklin Institute Medal. Kapitsa said that in science when a theorem is correct it can be demonstrated in a number of ways; and that in life, also, if our ideals are the same then even if we use different methods, we need not find ourselves involved in important contradictions. I remarked that the United States and the Soviet Union had the same ideals of democracy and freedom for peoples each of us followed different social and economic systems in attainment of those ideals, the Soviet Union a Communistic system and the United States of America [a] system of private capital. Each could recognize that the other has a different system and yet cooperate in the common ideal. I mentioned with pleasure the ever developing collaboration between our countries not only in war but in building for peace. Zhdanov expressed agreement and said that notwithstanding difference in systems, points of collaboration were increasing all the time.
At my request Zhdanov commented about the work of the Control Commission. The work had been much more difficult during October and November. Thereafter, with the replacement of Castren33 by Paasikivi it became more satisfactory and was on the whole proceeding well. The economic provisions of the armistice had been carried out [Page 608] more readily than the military and political. Special difficulty was encountered in connection with dissolution of pro-Fascist organizations. They had finally been dissolved. Their activities might still be carried on underground and appearance of performance might be better than actuality. The Finns tried to insist that their war against Russia was an independent one and not involved with German Fascism. The Russians had proof there was complete cooperation between the Finnish and German General Staffs. Zhdanov said the elections were coming on.34 They would be a test between reactionary and democratic forces and an indication whether Finland could be accepted again in the family of peaceful democratic nations. He was more favorably impressed by the Finn people than he had anticipated. He had thought they would be taciturn. From the way they had received Soviet singers and artists they expressed their feelings as spontaneously as the Russians.
As I started to leave Zhdanov said he would like to ask for my impression of Finland. I said I had been here only a little over two weeks and had no adequate basis for comment. I said the shops appeared pretty empty. There seemed to be a good deal of excitement and rumor. This was no surprise to an American at election time, for we were familiar with manifestations of that type in our elections. Zhdanov laughed and wanted to know whether there was more of a rumor and excitement here than in America at such times. I said it seemed about the same to me. As to whether the elections here would show any real change, I was not at all sure. I understood that the Finns were obdurate in their views and slow to change. There were a good many new elements and perhaps there had not been sufficient time for substantial changes. Zhdanov laughed. I said again that I had been here for only a very short time. Referring to Zhdanov’s earlier statement that the Finns seemed to be moving in the right direction, I said that seemed to be the important thing.
I told Zhdanov of my recent impressions of the United States. Our country was geared to all-out prosecution of war in Europe and also in Pacific. He showed familiarity with our military operations both in Europe and in Pacific.
Zhdanov was cordial and genial throughout the call which lasted an hour and a half and as I left he hoped we would keep in close touch.
Repeated to Moscow as my 32.
- The siege of Leningrad was raised on January 18, 1943.↩
- The siege of Stalingrad was raised on February 2, 1943.↩
- March 7, 1945.↩
- Peter Leonidovich Kapitsa, Russian physicist.↩
- Urho J. Castren, Finnish jurist and former Prime Minister.↩
- General elections for the Finnish Diet were held March 17 and 18, 1945. These were the first post-war elections in Finland.↩