File No. 861.00/664
The Minister in Sweden (Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7.35 p.m.]
995. Swedish press reports great Socialist coup in Finland with help Russian soldiers. Socialists seized telegraph and other public institutions proceeding to Senate and Landtag which they declared dissolved. Old Socialist Landtag is to be called and new Socialist Senate under presidency of Tokoi to be formed. Coup d’état took place without disturbance, feeling in Finland greatly excited, meetings everywhere, and disorders feared. History of coup short though its roots deep. Wednesday Socialists presented Conservatives ultimatum either renounce Conservative moderate directorate or accept consequences general strike. Conservatives refused and general strike began Wednesday evening in Helsingfors therefrom spreading over whole country [through?] railway men who took part. Last train arrived Wednesday evening at Tornea from Petrograd and it is feared will be last one for some time.