740.0011 European War 1939/15115: Telegram

The Minister in Finland (Schoenfeld) to the Secretary of State

433. Minister Commerce Tanner speaking Vasa yesterday said present war with U. S. S. R. waged by Finnish people to correct injustices last war. Finnish people conscious their position making extreme effort secure safer basis for future. Must be remembered, however, this country always dependent outside events, illustrated by effect German-Soviet pact August 193933 which led to brutal Soviet attack followed by peace in which pressure continued against Finland but happily afforded breathing spell strengthen country’s position armaments. When Germany later began war not only to crush U. S. S. R. but also to terminate ideology Bolshevism, Finland again attacked from east and had no choice but to defend itself. Conviction simultaneously ripened here that this time not only must losses previous war be compensated but safer future assured.

Discussing uncertainty of war Tanner reviewed consequences Soviet imperialism in Poland,34 Baltic countries,35 Bessarabia36 and attack [Page 67] on Finland, except for which Finland would now be peaceful loyal neutral neighbor U. S. S. R. War has gone well for Finland, all previous territory being recovered except Hango and Fishermen’s Peninsula37 but war is bad business for both parties and while expensive for U. S. S. R. is also costly for Finland.

Saying Finland rejoiced that world understood its situation during Winter War, outside world’s attitude to Finland now is not equally clear or benevolent because Finland associated with German side in Great War. Western democracies, particularly uncomprehending though no change Finland’s attitude since Winter War. Finland still “same democratic freedom loving people defending independence as during Winter War”. Likewise no change U. S. S. R. which continues barbarous state coveting neighbor’s territory though now appearing as defender freedom and knight of democracy. Remainder world has changed, Germany now being enemy U. S. S. R.; England and United States, U. S. S. R. allies, expecting not that U. S. S. R. will win but that its resistance will weaken German strength.

Not Finland’s fault that situation changed and Finland being condemned in outside world. Not only is Finland being condemned but effort being made interfere Finland’s conduct of war by powerful propaganda campaign from West to effect that Finnish people disappointed, hence initiated peace negotiations with U. S. S. R. Purpose such rumors, notwithstanding denial, to split opinion and improve military position U. S. S. R. both Petersburg38 front and along Murmansk railroad. Naturally such rumors entirely groundless.

Besides there is question with whom peace negotiations could be conducted there being not least confidence in present rulers Kremlin who violated all previous agreements. No doubt U. S. S. R. will lose war against Germany, hence peace with Bolsheviks would lack all significance.

Rumors agree with reality one respect. There really is peace party this country so large that whole Finnish people belongs to it. This strong will to peace leads Finnish people wish end war and to speculation regarding war aims. Thus far war aims only military but now that former boundary again reached they have become political. But impossible during war give enemy information where we will halt or march. Finnish war aims in one respect clearly defined throughout. “Though we are accidentally brothers in arms with Germany, no division of opinion that this our war involves Finland only and exclusively. We taking no part present war Great Powers and do not wish be involved their struggle. We will not continue war longer than our own advantage demands. For us this is only defense war whereby we wish create for ourselves safe boundaries and enduring [Page 68] peace. What is needed to attain this object will be done but our task will then be completed. This aim already in great part achieved but our long boundary with Russia not yet safe and it may be necessary to secure militarily beyond. Also our final boundaries can presumably be defined only at forthcoming peace conference. Before then no possibility concluding peace with anyone.”

Expressing satisfaction that Finland democratic institutions proved strong and competent not only in peace but also in war, Tanner said future now looks different than 18 months ago and Finnish people convinced present efforts will create assured existence and peaceful conditions to approach great and noble task national development.

Schoenfeld
  1. Treaty of Nonaggression signed at Moscow on August 23, 1939; for text, with secret additional protocol, see Department of State, Nazi-Soviet Relations, 1939–1941 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1948), p. 76, or Department of State, Documents on German Foreign Policy, 1918–1945 (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1956), Series D, vol. vii, p. 245.
  2. For correspondence regarding the intervention of the Soviet Union in Poland during September 1939, see Foreign Relations, 1939, vol. i, pp. 428 ff.
  3. For correspondence regarding the forcible occupation of the Baltic States and their incorporation into the Soviet Union, see ibid., 1940, vol. i, pp. 357 ff.
  4. For correspondence on Soviet activities in the Balkans and the seizure of Bessarabia, see ibid., pp. 444 ff.
  5. Rybachi Peninsula: Kalastajasaarento.
  6. Leningrad.