File No. 860d.00/4
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4.50 p.m.]
8360. My 8270, January 15, 5 p.m. Mr. Balfour expresses the hope to me, if his Government’s views meet our Government’s views, that the two Governments may act in unison regarding recognition of Finland. He has informed Finnish delegates here that he approves Finnish independence and he has recognized independence in principle, but has not yet given formal recognition. He prefers to wait awhile hoping that there will be some government in Russia which may be trusted to respect Finland’s independence. Russian soldiers continue to commit depredations there which is inconsistent with Bolshevik recognition of Finnish independence. Please instruct.