860D.48/8–145: Telegram
The United States Representative in Finland (Hamilton) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5 p.m.]
409. Enckell gave me July 30 letter stating that Finnish Govt has addressed through intermediary of ACC (Allied Control Commission) petition to Council of UNRRA which meets August 7 London asking that Finnish population northern Finland be taken into consideration in granting relief to persons hurt by the war. Letter states that by armistice Finnish Govt undertook to repel German troops. Northern Finland became war theater for several months. Retreating Germans inflicted thorough devastation and population lost dwellings, hospitals, churches, public buildings, bridges, boats. Finnish Govt would greatly appreciate it if US Govt could support Finnish petition UNRRA.61 I understand Finnish Govt not requesting American or British Govt to introduce or sponsor its petition to UNRRA. Finnish Govt is filing its application through ACC, presenting its request to senior Russian member and also to senior British member. Enckell has also given British political representative letter like that handed me.
As enclosure to Enckell’s letter there is statement to Finnish Govt from Suomen Huolto a central body for Finnish Govt authorities and private associations in dealing with humanitarian relief work in Finland. Copy of 15 page report made by Suomen Huolto on most urgent needs of devastated region and general outline of relief work is affixed.
Enckell said copy of Suomen Huolto report being sent to UNRRA in Stockholm at latter’s request. British representative sending copy Enckell’s letter and enclosures to his Govt by air pouch leaving August 1. I am sending copy to Embassy, London and copy goes to Department by pouch.62
Enckell explained that procedure Finnish Govt is following of presenting request for relief through ACC with copies to me and to British political representative was suggested as his personal advice to Finnish Govt by Commander Jackson, Deputy Director UNRRA when Gripenberg, head Finnish commercial delegation London, discussed matter with Jackson July 22.
[Page 654]My information confirms that destruction northern Finland was by Germans and that it was widespread and thorough.
Repeated to London as my 38; to Stockholm as my 93; to Moscow as my 92.
- The Finnish petition was finally laid before the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration Council on November 2. On November 29, the United States delegation recommended that the Council act favorably on the petition. An emergency aid program for northern Finland was subsequently undertaken.↩
- Not printed.↩