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Finnish and German relations before and during Winter War

Discussion in 'Winter and Continuation Wars' started by Kai-Petri, Dec 15, 2020.

  1. Kai-Petri

    Kai-Petri Kenraali

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    Germany was not on our side in 1939-1940....

    Finland in Great Power politics, 1939-1940

    The State Secretary in the German Foreign Office (Weizsäcker) to the
    German Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Schulenburg)

    Berlin, December 6, 1939

    Supplement to Instruction Pol. VI 2651, Item II.

    End of telegraphic instruction.

    Supplementing telegraphic instruction of December 2, the following additional instruction was issued today to all the important missions:
    In conversations regarding the Finnish-Russian conflict, you are requested to make use of the following considerations:
    Only a few weeks ago Finland was about to come to an understanding with Russia, which might have been achieved by a prudent Finnish policy. An appeal to the League of Nations by the Finnish Government is the least suitable way of solving the crisis.
    There is no doubt that British influence on the Finnish Government—partly operating through Scandinavian capitals—induced the Finnish Government to reject Russian proposals and thereby brought on the present conflict. England's guilt in the Russo-Finnish conflict should be especially emphasized.
    Germany is not involved in these events. In conversations, sympathy is to be expressed for the Russian point of view. Please refrain from expressing any sympathy for the Finnish position.

    Source: Documents from the Archives of The German Foreign Office. Washington, Department of State, publication 3023, 1948.
     
  2. Kai-Petri

    Kai-Petri Kenraali

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    Fnnish diplomats visited in the summer of 1940 Göring who said we should stay strong and wait until Germany beat the USSR and we would get our previous land area and more back.
    The man planning all in war games was Paulus who was later named the commander to attack Stalingrad.
     

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