611.60D31/10–1645: Telegram

The Chargé in Finland (Hulley) to the Secretary of State

609. Dept’s 168, October 5.75 Finn Bank Governor Tuomioja left Helsinki today for Stockholm intending to fly to New York October 24 [Page 657] or earlier if possible. In talk with me I asked what he expected accomplish in US. He said it is his first visit to US and he will make personal acquaintances of bank leaders citing Chase and National City Banks with which Finland previously had close connections. He would also explore conditions under which trade credits can be obtained. I told him our approval of his visit implied no change in our basic policy on credits.

When I asked about his recent visit to Moscow76 he said it was most satisfactory, particularly his talks with Kuusinen head of Karela-Finnish SSR and his reception was positively friendly and cordial. Russians seem pleased with Finn political developments and feel friendly to Finland but not to Sweden and look with suspicion on any move of Finns to closer union of northern nations. He also felt Russians are more friendly to USA than to Britain (Similar idea was expressed to me by Foreign Office official last week who said Russians here characterize British representatives as retaining Chamberlain’s77 mentality).

Only two difficulties emerged from his conversations. First was Russians rejection of any change in boundaries fixed by armistice and second was Russian feeling that Finns are proceeding too slowly with prosecution of war responsibles. Finn people are most anxious to alter boundaries principally to recover the Saimaa Canal and secondarily to use direct railway Helsinki to Abo through Porkkala area. They do not know how to approach problem without ruffling Soviets who easily become angry. They wish matter could be talked over with Stalin direct as others (presumably meaning ACC here) are very rough. For strategic reasons Soviet Army leaders do not wish to relinquish Saimaa Canal but after peace treaty it might be arranged to allow Finns to use it. He was surprised to learn Soviets not interested to have rapid socialization in Finland. When I asked whether he had anything to do with recently announced extension of reparations period he said he had not, but believed decision was reached by Soviets some time ago and he cited relaxation in Rumanian armistice terms as parallel case indicating Soviet policy.

To Dept as 609; repeated to Stockholm as 112; Moscow as 111 and London as 57.

Hulley
  1. See footnote 72, above.
  2. Mr. Tuomioja had visited Moscow between September 24 and October 5 for the purpose of becoming acquainted with economic conditions in the Soviet Union.
  3. Neville Chamberlain, British Prime Minister, May 28, 1937, to May 10, 1940.