File No. 8600.00/274 The Chargé in Sweden (Whitehouse) to the Secretary of State [Telegram] STOCKHOLM, September 3 (?), 1918, 6 p. m. [Received September 3, 9.36 a. m.] 2754. Have received telegram from Ambassador Francis requesting me to deliver for publication in a Finnish newspaper in Stockholm a manifesto addressed to Finns in all countries by Tokoi, exMinister President in Finland, and other members of his government. This manifesto repudiates a proclamation of the Moscow Central Committee of the Finnish Social Democrats warning Finnish working men not to join the British Army and states this committee has no authority to publish such a proclamation and no right to describe working men who are striving to rescue their country from the terrorism of the White Guard by assisting the Allied Army as the enemies of their Russian fellow workers. Further that Finnish Legion in British Army is not compelled to take any part in the Russian civil war, its sole object being the deliverance of Finland from the Germans and German-minded White Guards. It seems to me this proclamation, if published, might lead the Finnish government to think that we intended to interfere in Finnish internal affairs, might enable the government to persuade the Finns that an offensive against Murman was really a defensive act, and I fear cause an unfavorable impression in Finland. Do you desire me under the circumstance to transmit the manifesto to the newspaper for which it is intended? WHITEHOUSE File No. 860d.00/258 The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, September 5, 1918, 4 p. m. 247. Your 362, August 13, 6 p. m. This Government has hitherto refrained from any expression of opinion or policy as to the independence of Finland. It therefore deems publication of your statement inadvisable at present and the Legation at Stockholm has been so informed, adding that as the publication of any appeal from the Finns through us might be construed as intervention in Finnish internal affairs, its publication in that manner at this time appears equally inadvisable. LANSING File No. 860d.00/274 The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Sweden (Whitehouse) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, September 5, 1918, 4 p. m. 1082. Your 2754. Department concurs in the opinion that publication of such an appeal through American governmental channels is inadvisable, and has so informed the Ambassador at Archangel in reply to a telegram from him relative thereto in which he also requested simultaneous publication of a supplementary statement by him. LANSING File No. 860d.00/258 The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Russia (Francis) [Telegram] WASHINGTON, September 9, 1918, 5 p. m. 252. Referring to Department's 247, September 5, 4 p. m., answering your 362, August 13, 6 p. m.,' also 111, August 18, from Cole.2 Department questions advisability of cooperating with or encouraging in any way members or advocates of former Finnish Red labor government. Santeri Nuorteva, who has informed the Department that he represents the Finnish Red labor party officially in this country, has announced that aims of his party are the same as the Soviet government of Russia. Department is not aware of exact situation at Archangel but relies on your judgment and discretion as to manner of carrying out Department's wishes. LANSING File No. 860d.00/287 The Consul at Helsingfors (Haynes) to the Secretary of State 3 [Telegram] HELSINGFORS, September 11, 1918, 5 p. m. [Received September 13, 3 a. m.] 3 90. Finnish delegation which has been in Germany some time searching for a king has procured the assent of Frederick Carl of Hesse who married Kaiser Wilhelm's sister, Margarita, to accept the throne. Diet called to meet September 26 for the election. 1Ante, p. 803. Not printed; see telegram No. 109 of Aug. 18 from the Consul at Archangel, ante, p. 804, which was answered on Sept. 6 by telegram containing instructions similar to those transmitted herein to the Ambassador. Finnish government and the Krupp firm have formed two-millionmark company to investigate Finnish iron resources. This is another phase in Germany's program to exploit Finland commercially. Coat of arms of the British Consulate in Helsingfors has been painted in German colors during the night of September 8. Finnish officials have apologized, restored damaged shield, and are searching for the guilty parties. The press deeply deplores the insult. I believe animosity against the present British Consul who is greatly disliked personally was the real cause of the incident. HAYNES File No. 860d.00/301 The Consul at Helsingfors (Haynes) to the Secretary of State 1 [Telegram] HELSINGFORS, October 11, 1918, 9 p. m. [Received October 12, 10.25 p. m.] 101. Frederick Carl elected King October 9 in secret session. Vote reported to have been 76 to 41, unlikely he will be seated. (1) Personally he has previously advised that he would accept only on condition that not too much opposition; (2) parliamentary [opposition of] the left in Germany may prevent; and (3) peace arrangements may demand a king by the will of the people. Diet adjourned yesterday to [reconvene] in ordinary session November 5 to arrange budget, order of succession, and the penal code. Reported to-day in Helsingfors that Kaiser Wilhelm has declared he would abdicate in favor of third son rather than stand in the way of peace. HAYNES Withdrawal of German Troops-Formation of a New Government under Mannerheim-Decision of the American Government to Ship Food File No. 860d.00/310 The Consul at Helsingfors (Haynes) to the Secretary of State 2 [Telegram] HELSINGFORS, October 20 [?], 1918. 104. It is estimated that there are less than 5,000 German troops now in Finland. Continuous departures indicate complete withdrawal in the near future. Still believe that Finland will never have a king, as stated in my telegram No. 82 of September 3.1 Present government destined to fall and a more representative one will succeed, which will inaugurate republican reforms even at the expense of being charged with taking revenge on the present pro-German monarchists. There may be bloodshed, but not country-wide unless the present disaffection in the army increases. Indications are that winter will be tragic since all political disturbances are detrimental to economic peace and safety. The amount of internal trouble is liable to be greater should the German troops remain. It appears unlikely at present that their withdrawal will invite attack from Russia; if so, Entente might reverse the present situation against Germany by becoming friends of Finland in utilizing Murman forces to prevent Bolshevik aggression. HAYNES File No. 860d.00/326 The Consul at Helsingfors (Haynes) to the Secretary of State 2 [Telegram] HELSINGFORS, November 12, 1918, 4 p. m. [Received November 14, 12.30 p. m.] 117. Ex-Senator Lovonius and Dr. Schonman both strongly urge you [recognize Mannerheim?] as successor of Svinhufvud as regent of the new republican government, which is expected in a few days to supersede the present administration; assure me that Finland will be absolutely neutral and above all pro-Finnish. They say the new government will demand immediately withdrawal of German forces from Finland, order general elections, and request American food and recognition upon the basis of self-determination. It will be impossible for the new or any other government to succeed without food. Notwithstanding the increasing peril of Bolshevikism, Finland under the new régime hopes to be able to defend itself on the eastern frontier if the United States will help it. Consequently, while the government will represent the majority of the people, being at present pro-Ally, still the fear of Bolshevikism must increase before Associated military aid will be requested or welcomed, but it seems advisable that naval and military forces be ready to come at the earliest opportunity, for a greater danger threatens Finland than when the Red government was in charge or when the government put it down and it is believed that the Bolshevik's journey westward will be stopped only by Allied forces. The seriousness of the impending revolution in Finland depends on how soon Allied armies will establish order in Germany and the Russian border states. The report that General Mannerheim's visit to London is to ask for the Allies' consent that German forces remain in Finland to protect the country against Bolshevikism is said to be a sinister hope of the monarchists to protect themselves with German bayonets, a foolish hope, because German forces here are becoming disaffected and may join the Bolsheviks. The embryo republican government in the name of the Finnish people is sending Frederick Carl a message to refuse the crown for the sake of Finland. The paper of the republicans, the Social Democrat, has been suspended to-day by the governor of Nyland government. Circulation of 65,000 is greater than any other daily. All indications are that trouble is threatening in Finland. I venture to suggest that my telegram 1 to grant visas to Ignatius and Paloheimo to go to America as representative of the present monarchical pro-German government be unanswered. HAYNES File No. 860d.00/328 The Consul at Helsingfors (Haynes) to the Secretary of State 2 [Telegram] HELSINGFORS, November 16, 1918, 10 p. m. [Received November 19, 10.40 a. m.] 118. According to a decision reached yesterday, November 15, the Senate and the Diet have agreed to entrust General Mannerheim with the forming of new government, the personnel of which has not been determined as yet, but most of the present compromised officials will be removed. The greatest point in dispute is the proportion of monarchists and republicans in the new coalition government. Indications are now that the former will be in the majority. The Agrarians, who are the principal republican guides, since the Socialists are not represented in the Diet, have decided after much hesitation to lend their tacit support to the coalition government, providing that new elections were definitely arranged. The Agrarians won their point and new general elections are fixed for February or March, by which time it is hoped that the Entente will be able to cope with the Bolshevik danger, which has been hitherto the principal objection to leaving existing mooted questions to the decision of the people. The important question for America and the Entente to decide regarding Finland is as to whether food ought to be given to the coalition government for distribution to the people during the interim between now and the time fixed for the general election. Personally |