Finland, 1930-1940, 1944

PSF Finland DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON December 1, 1939 My dear Mr. President: I am sending you herewith a translation of a cable which the President of Colombia yesterday sent to the President of Finland. It seems to me to be a very accurate reflection of public opinion in Colombia and, I have no doubt, in practically every other republic of this continent. I believe you will be interested in it. Believe me A yours Kalls The President, The White House. [Translation] Bogotá, November 30, 1939. His Excellency The President of Finland, Helsingfors. The distance between our countries which, while united by their faith in democratic ideals, have scarcely begun to develop their relations, does not prevent us, Excellency, from expressing to you, in the trying times through which your country is passing, the assurance of the profound sympathy of Colombia. I would be false to the feelings of my people and those of the Government of the Republic if I were silent before the cruel outrage of which, - without the slightest justification, - a free Nation that has reached so high a degree of law-abiding civilization and authentic culture is now the victim. The small nations of the world, which, eager for peace, seek the well-being of their sons within the reality of inalienable liberties and, holding strictly to the rules of right, wish to maintain irrevocably their full inde- pendence, whatever sacrifice such maintenance may in- volve, cannot, without endangering their own existence, remain indifferent to a total disregard of those rules, to Hisland FOR USE BY THE PRESIDENT IN HIS PRESS CONFERENCE [12-4-39] There is due and payable from the Government of Finland on December 15, 1939, on account of its indebtedness to the United States, the sum of $234,693. The Press reports that the Finnish Legation has indicated that its Government intends to make payment on the due date and that funds are in this country for that purpose. I have instructed the Secretary of the Treasury to accept this payment when tendered and to hold the amount therof in suspense and not to cover it into the Treasury until Congress has had an opportunity to act on my recommendation, to be included in the annual message on the state of the Union, that in view of the heroic efforts which Finland is making to defend its liberty, the amount of this payment be turned over to the Finnish Red Cross to be used in the relief of suffering. OFFICE OF TREASURY DEPARTMENT WASHINGTON THE SECRETARY December 4, 1939 Ky dear Mr. President: Referring to our conversation at lunch today, there is attached a statement which I believe you can make at one of your press confer- ences regarding the Finnish debt payment. We have not received official notice from the Finnish Minister that Finland intends to make this payment, but he has made a statement to the press that funds are in this country and that the payment will be made on December 15 in New York in the usual manner. The statement is framed so that you can make the announcement at any time, but it may be that you will want to wait until you receive official confirmation that Finland will make the payment on the due date. If you prefer to wait, the statement should be revised. Faithfully yours, Mymtha The President, The White House. Enclosure ADDRESS OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON, D.C. confitular DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON December 5, 1939 My dear General Watson: I am transmitting herewith a letter addressed to the President by the Honorable Hjalmar Procopé, Minister of Finland, expressing the latter's personal appreciation and gratitude for the support given to Finland by the President. Since no reply need be made by the President I have acknowledged the Minister's note and informed him that I have been pleased to transmit the letter to the White House. Sincerely yours, Chief of Protocol Enclosure: Letter addressed to the President. Brigadier General Edwin Watson, U.S.A., Secretary to the President, The White House. LEGATION OF FINLAND WASHINGTON, D.C. His Excellency Franklin D. Roosevelt President of the United States of America, Washington, D.C. LEGATION OF FINLAND WASHINGTON, D.C. December 1st, 1939. Mr. President, Your beautiful and strong statement in favour of my threatened and imporilled country has just reached mo. I have had no opportunity yet to communicate it to my Government, but I know that all Finland and all the Finnish nation will feel it as an extremely important sot of friendship, understanding and moral support, for which we are deeply grateful. Such n. statement is more than words, it is a deed. Finland tried to avoid the coming of the hostilities. The Finnish Goverment was disposed to concessions up to the limit beyond which we could not go without infringement upon our independence, our liberty and our status as a free and penceful country among other free nations. Recent events have shown the real aims of the Soviet government: to make Finland E. Soviet state, to incorporate our country in the Soviet Union and to re- place our old democratic freedom with bolshevic totalitarian rule. We did never threaten Russia, nor did we provoke the hostilities. The Soviet Government brought us into a situation, where there was no other alternative for us than this: voluntarily to sulmit to all the horrors of communist terror or to risk to be attacked. When defending our home, our country and our right to live, we think that we do not only fulfil a duty towards our- solves and our old established traditions, but also townrds humanity and human ideals in general. To COD that this is understood, is of the highest value for a small country fighting her heavy fight alone. No larow the limits of the help we can get from our friends. Your message of the 10th of October, Mr. President, saved peace for two months. We feel that you will help us and that you will give us support as far as you find it possible. May I, Mr. President, by this spontaneous and personal expression of my feelings of great thankfulness and admiration, extend to you the gratitude of Finland and the Finnish people, for what you have done and for what you think you can do to help our country in these days of trial and distress. Accept, Mr. President, the expression of the highest considera- tion and deepost gratitude, with which I have the honour to be Yours most faithfully, ty.T.Procopi T. December 5, 1939. Letter to the President from Secretary Morgenthau Subject: Finnish Gold Inquiry made by minister of Sweden with respect to the disposal of the gold. Attached is photostat copy OK'd by the President . It outlines certain provisions connected with the delivery of the Gold to the United States. See:Dec 5, 1939 letter-Morgenthau folder-Drawer 1-1939 Treasury Department Washington December 5, 1939. Dear Mr. President: I have pleasure in transmitting herewith a memorandum submitted to me, which refers to our discussion of yesterday in regard to the inquiry made by the Minister of Sweden with respect to the disposal of Finnish Gold. I shall not fail to keep you informed of any further develop- ments in the premises. Sincerely yours, Signed--J. Morgenthau Jr Secretary of the Treasury The President The White House. For original of the above letter and the enclosed memo referred to in the letter---See:Henry Morgenthau folder-Drawer 1-1939 ADDRESS OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE Dept WASHINGTON, D.C. fill ml state, DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON December 13, 1939 My dear Miss LeHand: In accordance with the President's memorandum of December 11 to the Secretary, I am returning herewith for your files the telegram which the President received on December 7 from the President of Finland. Sincerely yours, G. Chief of Protocol Enclosure: Original telegram from the President of Finland. Miss Marguerite A. LeHand, Private Secretary to the President, The White House. Department of State BUREAU PR DIVISION ENCLOSURE TO Letter drafted 12/13/39 ADDRESSED TO Miss LeHand : - NAME - I 1031 TELEGRAM The White House Spoab 64 CABLE 8:55 p. m. Mashington Helsingfors, Dec. 7, 1939 THE PRESIDENT: Accept, Excellency, my heartfelt thanks for felicitations on anniversary of Finland's independence and for token of sympathy toward Finland, who has been obliged with weapons to defend her independence, liberty and rights. Your message received with feeling of relief and you may rest assured that whole Finnish nation is deeply thankful to you and American people. Kyoesti Kallio. Emry THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON January 5, 1940 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT: I thought you would be interested in this summary on Finland given me by Procope. my E. Copy Fingand THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON March 7, 1940 MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY Will you speak to me about this? F. D. R. Translation of message from "Mannerheim" Helsinki, 3/1/40 as follows: "General Lundkvist proposed February 22 to the U.S.A. Naval Attache Commander Pihl orally, that U.S.A. would assist Finland in sending 150 pursuit planes and 36 fast bombers with two motors, all with voluntary crews and equipments. The matter very urgent. In emergency to be bought. Asking urgent reply". Attached is handwritten statement dated 3/3/40 regarding Finland. President's notation on message "H.M.Jr-Also the payment already made". angural menes- filed morgenthan Jimgard March 25, 1940. Memo to the Président from Cordell Hull Re:returning letter of Secretary Morgenthau relative to reconstruction survey of Finland. See:Morgenthau-Drawer 1-1940 File PSF, Finland THE SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON March 25, 1940. MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT I herewith return letter of Secretary Morgenthau relative to reconstruction survey of Finland. It just so happens that the Department had sent out the enclosed telegram to our Legation at Helsinki a few hours before I received your memorandum enclosing the Morgenthau letter on the same subject. I am not certain in my mind as to just how far we should go at this stage with a program including loans and aid in other possible ways in the reconstruction of Finland, especially in view of the demands in so many other war-wrecked countries and localities. The further question as to whether our present undertaking gradually to develop a broad and comprehensive program and policy of economic reconstruction, beginning at the end of the war, should be pursued for the present rather than to undertake it by piecemeal as in the case of Finland, naturally presents itself. In any event, I compliment Secretary Morgenthau on his initiative and vision. You can return copy of dispatch to Helsinki. CH THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY WASHINGTON March 20, 1940 My dear Mr. President: Since Finland and Russia have made peace, I have been giving considerable thought to what the future of Finland may be. It seems to me that the United States has & great opportunity to demonstrate, at this time, what we are will- 1ng to do for a country like Finland. There is a real reconstruction job to be done for Finland. The thought that I have in mind is that you invite Finland to send a commis- sion to this country, at once, to explain to us what their needs are, headed by someone like Mr. Tanner who, before entering their Government, was the head of their consumer cooperative move- ment; that we, in turn, be prepared to help them do not only a physical reconstruction job, but help them recreate a strong financial set-up. By helping Finland do a complete reconstruc- tion job, we can actually demonstrate to the rest of the world what we are prepared to do if and when peace should come in Europe or Asia. Yours sincerely, The President, The White House. Tile they HP Va. Cepil 140 1940 Dar D Our President may T be allowed by these lines to thank you and mms Room weet for the very beautiful flowers which you were so kind as to send to my wedding on satuday. your kindness towled me very deeply and 7 hould like to say how 1 fondly grateful we both. I Procope and T. are. T thank you with ale my heart for this and for all your other kindness to me - and at the same time most deeply for your & grupa they. understanding and help to Finand which has passed and passes through tragic days. but which with not succemb. 7 hope that after my refurn Fo Washington you will penit me to forement my wife to you and To mrs Roosevelt. with my mast respectful regards and headth thanks + am yours most sincerely they T. P vocapi Finland folder 1-44 March 15, 1944. It has always seemed odd to me and to the people of the United States to find Finland a partner of Nazi Germany, fighting side by side with the sworn enemies of our civilization. The Finnish people now have a chance to withdraw from this hateful partnership. The longer they stay at Germany's side the more sorrow and suffering is bound to come to them. I think I can speak for all Americans when I say that we sincerely hope Finland will now take the opportunity to disassociate herself from Germany. UK IMP DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON March 16, 1944. MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Subject: Statement on Finland The press reports that the Finnish Diet has rejected the Russian terms by a vote of 160 to 40. However there is still time to change their minds as the Russians have given them until the 18th. I think it is a pity that they are missing the boat and hope that you will see your way clear to issue the attached statement as a comment on the reports from Finland and Sweden in the morning papers. It might do some good and we will have done everything possible. C H Attachment: Proposed statement on Finland. IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARCH 16, 1944 STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT It has always seemed odd to me and to the people of the United States to find Finland a partner of Nazi Germany, fighting side by side with the sworn enemies of our civilization. The Finnish people now have a chance to withdraw from this hateful partnership. The longer they stay at Germany's side the more sorrow and suffering is bound to come to them. I think I can speak for all Americans when I say that we sincerely hope Finland will now take the opportunity to disassociate herself from Germany. - I - - fineaud foccer 1-44 DEPARTMENT INCOMING STATE TELEGRAM filed DIVISION OF OF COMMUNICATIONS AND RECORDS ANT-76 Helsinki This telegram must bE clostly paraphrased bE- Dated June 22, 1944 fore being communicated to anyone. I Rec'd 6:57 a.m., 23rd. Secretary of State, Washington. U.S. URGENT NIACT 491, June 22, 8 p.m. FOR SECRETARY OnE. Finland has decided to End its co-belligerency with Germany and has already initiated measures to do SO. I can warrant that this information is authentic, absolutely reliable and can bE acted upon but I have bEEn placed under obligation for present not to cite my source. As Department is aware there is danger to Finland from German and Extremist groups in premature revelation of decision. Furthermore, in quarters where I learned this, some apprehension is fElt lest Russians might object to our having the information at this time and SOME uncertainty about our codes. Two. This decision was taken today and will presumably bE the policy of protracted new Government. DECLASSIFIED Three. State Dept. Letter, 1-11-72 FEB 7 1972 By J. Scheuble Date -2- #491, June 22, 8 p.m., from Helsinki. Three. Soundings to Establish contact with Russians have already been made in Stockholm. Four. I am also asked the attitude of our Government toward Finland in view of this change of policy. Please SEE my immediately following telegram for relevant information. GULLION EJH MRM PSF Finland DEPARTMENT INCOMING DIVISION OF OF COMMUNICATIONS STATE TELEGRAM AND RECORDS GEM-80 Helsinki This telegram must be closely paraphrased be- Dated June 23, 1944 fore being communicated to anyone. ( Rec'd 7:19 a.m. Secretary of State, Washington. U.S. URGENT 492, June 22, 10 p.m., (SECTION ONE) One. Although projected government headed by Ramsay was supposed to have taken over by Tuesday June 20 at least, with agreement of headquarters and Party groups, no government has yet been formed and official line, though by no means the true one, is that present government will remain in power. Many things have delayed decision and it is difficult to assess accurately their relative influence. There has been some difficulty in agreeing on personalities, temporal difficulty in arranging Party meetings and it appears that matter could not go forward without authority of Mannerheim's headquarters which presumably did not want to capitulate prematurely. Furthermore, soundings of Soviet in Stockholm had to be completed. In any case a decision in policy has been taken (see DECLASSIFIED my secret State Dept. Letter, 1-11-72 By J. Schauble Date FEB 7 1972 -2-#492, June 22, 10 a.m. (SECTION ONE) from Helsinki my secret telegram 491). Two. Projected Ramsay government is still the one upon which projects are being formed. Subject, of course, to revision it would include von Born as Minister of Justice, Hiltonen replaces Tanner as Minis- ter of Finance and Paasikivi or Hynninen will have Foreign Ministry although, if Paasikivi does not enter government, which is probable, he would still be regarded as the man to conduct negotiations. Hynninen although Finnish Minister in Moscow at beginning of current war is considered here to be persona grata to Russians. Gripenberg said to have been unwilling enter cabinet. Services of good man required in Stockholm. Repeated to Stockholm as my 143. Three. It will readily be seen that this government is not a radical reconstruction and yet I am convinced that it is pledged to begin peace negotiations (my tele- gram in reference). A representative of Social Democrat opposition wing was delegated to inform me that Social Democratic opposition could not endorse the new government although it would not oppose it. Opposition wants to make clear that it has found it impossible to form a more radically changed government leaving out old leaders at -3-#492, June 22, 10 a.m. (SECTION ONE) from Helsinki. leaders at this time. It considers that proposed govern- ment would do merely as interim government to begin peace negotiations. This source also informed me that if peace they formed was considered too harsh for Finland then it is probably better for Finland and United Nations that present opposition elements would not bear on us. Keikonen, dissident Agrarian, would have been preferable but unable gain enough Party support. Strangely enough, Tanner is said to be the most vigorous and effective leader in effort to form. GULLION REP CSB DEPARTMENT INCOMING DIVISION OF OF COMMUNICATIONS STATE TELEGRAM AND RECORDS NMC-79 Helsinki This telegram must bE closely paraphrased bE- Dated June 22, 1944 fore being communicated to anyone. ( Rec'd 7:11 a.m., 23rd. Secretary of State, Washington. US URGENT 492, June 22, 10 p.m., (SECTION TWO) a peace government. SElf interest is no doubt present in this CASE but at same time hE is probably Essentially honest but wrong headed and most Effective figure in Party. HE himself would not figure in government. For this reason opposition does not feel that British American radios should now continue attack on Tanner and quaries whether our radio propaganda would contins postulating complete omission of old figures from government as prome condition if it had knowledge of facts just stated. Four. If I may venture own opinion without knowledge of decision on high levels would say WE might bE satisfied for present with a government which fulfilled only two main conditions. (A) pledged to begin peace negotiations immediately and (B) was acceptable DECLASSIFIED State Dept. Letter, 1.11.FEB i 1972 By J. Schauble Data -2- #492, June 22, 10 p.m., (SECTION TWO) from Helsinki acceptable to Russians. There is good reason to think former is CASE with projected Ramsay government and latter Department may know from Russians. In this connection it is noted that Communist paper NYDAG in Stockholm in one Edition said all Russians required in Finn Government was des're to male peace while in another it attacked Ramsay, Linkomies, Ryti. Rumortdly M. Boheman, Swedish Foreign Office, says Ramsay government acceptable to Russians. A more radical reconstruction of Government would surtly bE more desirable but continued Effort to form it would only postpone settlement of campaign, probably lead to civil strift or deadlock in which no overture would bE made to Soviet until Finland were actually laid low. Five. Prime factor in the situation is the actual importance of German reinforcements. Report of these I have now reason to think have been Exaggerated partly by Germans themselves. Source cited to me total of a division and four bettalions now wishes to revise his statement and says there are about 350 airplants, not more than 4,000 men and 60 tanks. His estimates have usually bEEn Entirely right in past. Since I have found rumors of strengths of Germans at ports have generally proved to bE groundless and since civilian Estimates of -3- 492, June 22, 10 p.m. (SECTION TWO) from Helsinki Estimates of military strength are notoriously unreliable I am inclined to agree to his Estimate. Thus possibilitits of a German coup SEED one degree less probable. At same time certain Elements are definitely in collaboration with Germans and would further a coup or would try to hand over Alands to German troops. My best source in these matters tells me Germans have brought in considerable naval strength and that Prinz Eugen is at Hogland Island. Many German specialists and civilian have arrived including one Vollmer who according to my report is a specialist in taking over American Legations. Finnish military believes they can stabilize situation until new government takes over in three or four days. Certainly Extraordinary mobilization of boys and men in their fiftys, requisition of all means of transportation, Et cetera indicates continued resistance. (END OF MESSAGE) GULLION REP CSB [PSF: Finland] DEPARTMENT INCOMING DIVISION OF OF COMMUNICATIONS STATE TELEGRAM AND RECORDS FBM-168 Htlsinki + This telegram must bE clos. ly paraphrased bE- Dated June 23, 1944 fors heing communicated to anyone. (Staner) Rec'd 1:37 p.m. Secretary of State, Washington. 495, June 23, noon. Would bE appreciated if Army and Navy would in their discration repeat to me for my guidance any information about German military and naval rainforcements other than that contained in my talegrams. (My 495 to Department repeats this message.) GULLION WSB JT DECLASSIFIED State Desc. letter, 1-11-72 By J. Schauble Date FEB 7 1972 CPSF: Findard] DEPARTMENT OF INCOMING DIVISION OF STATE TELEGRAM COMMUNICATIONS AND RECORDS DMH-195 Helsinki This telegram must bE clostly paraphrased bE- Dated June 23, 1944 X fore being communicated to anyone. ( Rec'd 4:05 p.m. Secretary of State Washington US URGENT 498, June 23, 6 p.m. Source mentioned in my 492, June 22, reiterates view of limited number of German reinforcements. HE did say that these are going to East Front, nevertheless hE considers German coup likely. I saw today in Sandviken harbor a tank carrying VESSEL which had cap- sized. Repeated to Stockholm as my 146. My source says this had on it twelve (12) Tiger tanks. These are to bE subtracted from total reported in my 492. Strenuous efforts are being made to recover the tanks. Finnish garrison at Helsinki reduced to few companies. GULLION WTD JRL DECLASSIFIED State Dept. Letter, 1-11-72 By J. Schauble Date FEB 7 1972 3670 Finland for Carbon of this memorandum returned to Mr. Stettinius, 11/11/44. THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON "FRS JR November 10, 1944 OK FDR MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Subject: Representation of American Interests in Finland. The protection of American interests in Finland is at present entrusted to Switzerland. The Soviet Govern- ment, however, doos not permit the Bwiss Legation in Helsinki to send any communications abroad, and is inclined to question the propriety of third party repre- sentation not that the territory is liberated from enemy control. May I have your permission to discuss with the Russians and British the sending to Holsinki of Mr. Max- well M. Hamilton as United States Representative in Finlend with the personal rank of Minister? Mr. Homilton, who recently served 58 Counselor in Moscow, would represent American interests in the same manner 08 our represents- tives being sent to Rumanis and Bulgaria. His appointment need not involve the reestablishment of diplomatic relations with Finland or our acceptance of EL corresponding Finnish representative here. DECLASSIFIED State Dept. Letter, 1-11-72 By J. Schauble Date FEB 7 1972 PSF: Finland forcer 1-44 am SECRE DEC 11 1944 My 'dear Mr. Hamilton: I am happy to designate you as Representative of the United States of America in Finland, with the personal rank of Minister. Pending the resumption of diplomatic relations with Finland, you should act as Representative of the United States in that country in all matters concerning the protection of American nationals and American interests and should report fully to the Department of State all developments in Finland affecting those interests. I wish you full success in the accomplishment of your mission. Sincerely yours, FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT Maxwell M. Hamilton, Esquire, Care of Department of State, Washington, D. C. DECLASSIFIED By Deputy Archivist of the U.S. by W. J. Stewart Date FEB 7 1972 SECRET DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON December 8, 1944 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Subject: Letter of appointment for Maxwell M. Hamilton, Esquire Attached for your signature, if you approve, is a letter appointing Maxwell M. Hamilton as Represen- tative of the United States of America in Finland, with the personal rank of Minister. A memorandum suggesting that Mr. Hamilton be sent to Finland (copy attached) was approved by you on November 11. Enclosures: 1. Letter to Hamilton. 2. Copy of memorandum. DECLASSIFIED State Dept. Letter. 1-11-72 By J. Schauble Date FEB 7 1972 Department of State BUREAU FA DIVISION ENCLOSURE TO Letter drafted 12/4/44 ADDRESSED TO The President, White House . . - ----- - 1-1000 EAST 5 ok 2003 +vs November 10, 1944 DEPARTMENT Of STATE NOV UNDER SECRETARY L'MORANDUS For THE PRESIDENT Subjects Representation of American Interests in Finland. The pretection of American interests in Finland is at present entrusted to Switzerland. The Seviet Govern- ment, however, does net permit the Swiss Legation in Helsinki to send any communications abroad, and is inclined to question the propriety of third party repre- semtation now that the territory is liberated from easay control. May I have your permission to discuss with the Pressions am British the sending to Helsinki of Mr. Max- well M. Namilton as United States Representative in Finland with the personal rank of Minister? Mr. Hamilton, she recently served as Counselor in Moscow, would represent American interests in the some sanner as our represents- tives being sent to Rumania and Bulgaria. His appointment need not involve the reestablishment of diplomatic relations with Finland or our acceptance of a corresponding Finnish representative here. as Mrs Senberr 3 Miss Kibble brought this down. SECRE - 2 - effect financing reparations transfers. (4) If the United States wishes to assist repara- tions recipients, it would be preferable for it to do so directly rather than indirectly by financing repara- tions transfers. The Legation has been instructed to assume a dis- couraging attitude if the subject of financial assistance to Finland in meeting reparations obligations is broached, but not to attempt a definitive answer. There has been some indication that not only the Government of Finland but the Governments of Sweden and the Soviet Union as well are interested in what the United States policy will be on the matter under reference. DECLASSIFIED State Dept. : etter, 1-11-72 By J. Schauble Date FEB 7 1972