237. Telegram From the Embassy in Finland to the Department of State0
172. Reference: Deptel 85.1 Believe it most unlikely Simelius will expect conclude prompt agreement on purchase US military equipment, given limitations placed on his authority by President Kekkonen and budgetary situation. At same time, our offer of discount sales has inevitably affected nature Simelius visit in Finnish eyes. Would be most unfortunate, particularly in our relations with Finnish military, if we not prepared respond to reasonable demonstration of interest in hardware on part Simelius within his limited authority.
Circumstance that Kekkonen immediately passed on information regarding our offer to military and did not hold knowledge for himself or restrict it to purely governmental-political circles best evidence we have that he has taken offer seriously and is prepared pursue further. It is, therefore, all the more important not to take any action here in advance Simelius visit that might discourage Finnish military or call into question in their minds seriousness our offer.
Believe Simelius realistic enough to be satisfied with general survey types military items we are prepared to have him see, and will readily appreciate that declassification and related security problems will preclude full disclosure of others at this time.