860d.51/11–1846: Telegram

The Chargé in Finland (Hulley) to the Secretary of State

confidential

834. Visa issued Graesbeck today to leave tomorrow and sail from Goteborg November 22. I informed Paasikivi orally of Department’s 308, November 15.15 FonMin Enckell was present. Paasikivi expressed gratitude that Finland is not forgotten. He said it had come two-thirds or three-fourths of way through its troubles and needed help during last difficult phase which would be year 1947. He said as banker he knew that a firm needing 100 million credit was not put on sound basis if it received only 60 million. I emphasized that discussions might not result in credit. I understand Finnish Legation will conduct negotiations and may in course of them bring Graesbeck in as expert who has most up to date knowledge of Finnish economic conditions.

Hulley
  1. In this telegram the Department stated that in view of decisions at the Conference of Foreign Ministers at New York (November 4 to December 11, 1946) regarding Finnish reparations, it was now prepared to consider credits to Finland, although these discussions might result in no credit (860d.51/11–1246). A Finnish delegation arrived in Washington and held meetings with officers of the Department on December 4 and 12 (memoranda not printed), with regard to Finland’s needs for credit in 1947 (860d.51/12–446, 12–1246).