219. Letter From Secretary of Defense McNamara to the Deputy Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Johnson)0
Dear Alex: The Department of State has requested Defense concurrence in the attached draft Presidential Determination1 authorizing expenditure of up to $10 million to permit the armed forces of Finland to purchase United States military equipment in FY 1962 at reduced cost.
[Page 453]The Department of Defense considers the provision of limited U.S. military assistance to Finland, including classified equipment on a case-by-case basis, to be militarily desirable. We are concerned, however, that any U.S. military equipment provided to Finland should not be of such a nature that it could be used to any significant extent against the West. Accordingly, all sales should be effected on a case-by-case basis, in light of security classification, availability, and after a careful appraisal of the potential value of the specific item in countering U.S. or Allied war plans.
It is now recommended, however, that the proposed assistance be funded in FY 1963, rather than FY 1962 as originally suggested, since there is little likelihood that any sales could be negotiated and completed before 30 June 1962.
Subject to the foregoing qualifications, the Department of Defense concurs in the draft Presidential Determination, dated 1 March 1962, which has been forwarded to us. A copy is attached for your reference.
Sincerely yours,