660E.00/2–2550: Telegram
The Chargé in Finland ( Chase )1 to the Secretary of State
99. During cordial reception of Minister Cabot 25th,2 Foreign Minister emphasized Finland could preserve its independence only by moral strength, that Finland hoped receive moral support from west which proved so valuable 50 years ago and, therefore, highly valued. President Truman’s message conveyed ten days ago to President Paasikivi by Minister Warren;3 that because of its geographical position Finland had to restrict its foreign political relations largely to cultural sphere and could not afford be drawn into quarrels between big powers, and that alarmist stories and speculation about Finland in foreign press often aggravated Finland’s difficult position vis-à-vis USSR.
Foreign Minister did not give any indication of particular apprehension Soviet action against Finland, nor did he in anyway, indicate desire for other support than moral.
- Warren M. Chase, Counselor of Legation in Finland.↩
- John M. Cabot, in January 1950 designated Minister to Finland to succeed Avra Warren, arrived in Helsinki on February 25, 1950. His first interview was with Finnish Foreign Minister Carl Enckell. A memorandum of Minister-designate Cabot’s conversation with Enckell was transmitted to the Department of State as an enclosure to despatch 158, March 7, from Helsinki, neither printed (123 Cabot, John M.). Cabot formally presented his credentials to Finnish President Paasikivi on February 27 and assumed charge of the Legation the same day.↩
- This phrase appears to be garbled. During his conversation with President Paasikivi on February 27 following his presentation of credentials, Minister Cabot mentioned that when he had seen President Truman two weeks earlier, President Truman “had sent his personal greetings to President Paasikivi and spoken very warmly of Finland’s role in contemporary affairs.” President Paasikivi expressed his pleasure at the message (Despatch 151, March 7, from Helsinki: 123 Cabot, John M.).↩