64. Telegram From the Embassy in Finland to the Department of State0
43. President Kekkonen following informal private luncheon yesterday told me following re Finnish position on Outer Seven plan.
Described interest in Seven as natural economic step consistent with trade interests. Statements do not mean Finland has joined, but he hopes and believes it will. At same time intends to endeavor to maintain East trade at substantially present level. Said might have to adhere to Seven plan with certain reservations in order make clear no official connotation. Expressed some concern in this connection re Seven relationship to Six. Warmly praised Sukselainen for good job at Kungalv.1
In response my queries, said he expects no difficulty from Russians; did not consult them in advance, could not and would not ask them since this would suggest objection expected. Said he had told Soviet Ambassador Zaharoa earlier in response latter’s casual remark re Soviet interest in developments re free trade area plans that he could not then and would not in future discuss this with him since purely economic and Finland’s business.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 440.002/7–1659. Secret; Limit Distribution.↩
- At a meeting of the Nordic Prime Ministers in Kungalv, Sweden, Sukselainen stated that Finland would join a free trade area whose objectives were solely economic in character and did not include plans for political integration.↩