760E.13/3–350: Telegram
The Minister in Finland ( Cabot ) to the Secretary of State
110. Legation is receiving indications from various quarters that responsible businessmen, government officials and politicians are pondering idea of including Communists in unimportant posts in new Cabinet.1 Moreover, as he did in July 1948, President Paasikivi yesterday asked party chairmen, who called on him, to give consideration to inclusion some Communists. Intention is, of course, to put [Page 577] Communists in positions where they will be well hedged in and therefore innocuous. I would appreciate Department’s views as to what if anything Legation should do as situation develops.
From domestic viewpoint there may be some validity to argument in some Social Democratic and business circles that inclusion of Communists in Cabinet will draw their domestic political sting by making it difficult for them to avoid responsibility for any damage to Finnish economy resulting from irresponsible agitation. Business proponents feel Communists participation in Cabinet might also ease pressure from Russia and help Finns secure much-needed trade agreement.
Objections are obviously formidable. There is little reason to suppose that inclusion of Communists would in long run weaken Communist strength in labor unions or that Russians would be mollified by this show of weakness. Communists may not be any more willing to settle for minor Cabinet posts than they were when Fagerholm Cabinet was formed, although there are some indications they would settle now for anything to get foot in door again. Once again in government Communists could be expected, regardless of watchfulness and precautions by non-Communists, to try by every means to advance their long-term objective of gaining control of government. Finally, I am concerned at effect such a reversal would have in other European countries, particularly, those which have before had Communists in Cabinet.
Legation officers have so far merely pointed out, in answer to inquiries by key political friends, bad effect of inclusion of Communists on American public opinion. Such expressions are obviously less effective Finland than other European countries more dependent on US. I am inclined to think that our best course would, nevertheless, be to make above statement with a shade more emphasis in reply to any inquiries we may receive.
- The Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Fagerholm resigned on March 1.↩