760E.00/1–1850: Telegram

The Minister in Finland (Warren) to the Secretary of State

secret

47. In farewell call2 upon Prime Minister Fagerholm3 today latter told me he and his government are expecting Soviet attempt interfere in Finnish politics before February 16 in an effort influence electoral college vote and composition of new government.4 He said “we must receive any such pressure calmly”.

He asked that I bring his greeting to President Truman and say that on account circumstances Finland is required to take measures which may appear bold in order assure continuance its democratic western way of life. He asked that I assure the President that Finland can be depended upon maintain and defend its democratic institutions. Finally he asked that Finland not be forgotten by United States.

Warren
  1. Avra Warren, Minister in Finland from December 1947, was designated in December 1949 to become Ambassador in Pakistan. Warren departed from Helsinki on January 19, 1950.
  2. Karl-August Fagerholm, Finnish Prime Minister from July 1948 to March 1950.
  3. Finnish voters chose a Presidential electoral college on January 16, 1950. On February 15, the electoral college met and reelected incumbent President Juho Paasikivi. The minority Finnish Social Democratic Government headed by Prime Minister Fagerholm resigned on March 1 following the Presidential election.