740.00116 E. W./12–2245: Telegram
The Chargé in Finland ( Hulley ) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 23—10:11 a.m.]
795. Press 22d. After lengthy deliberation, war trial court70 ordered seven accused imprisoned; Kukkonen alone remaining at [Page 624] liberty. Eight justices voted for imprisoning Reinikka and Kivimaki as compared with four [on] previous occasions. Ten voted for rearresting Tanner as compared with six previously. Four voted for rearresting Kukkonen both times. Eleven voted for keeping Ryti, Rangell, Ramsay and Linkomies in custody as compared with eight previously.
Helsingen Sanomat 71 comments “Court decision yesterday calculated to soft-pedal Soviet criticism sent from here in reports on trial and ease tension that surrounded question politically since end first phase of trial. Easing of tension will be regarded as relief by responsible Finnish authorities.”
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- The special war trial court was composed of 15 justices. Three of these were judges from other Finnish courts, and the remaining 12 were members of the Finnish Diet who were chosen by the Diet on the basis of proportional representation.↩
- A Helsinki daily newspaper affiliated with the National Progressive Party.↩