-2- :#255, March 8, 2 p.m,, from Moscow.
 
of Kremlin which apparently wished first to explore the 
possibility of a final peace.
 
          The Minister intimated very clearly that he and his 
Government hoped for the Cooperation of the United States 
in strengthening the position of the Finnish delegates 
during the negotiations. He stated that he believed that 
once the presence of the Finnish delegation in Moscow 
became known it would be helpful if the interests of 
the United States in the successful outcome of the 
negotiations were to be publicly disclosed as this 
would have a material effect on the Soviet position 
since it is common knowledge that the Soviet Government 
is seriously concerned about its relations with the 
United States particularly in respect of purchases in 
the United States.
 
                                       STEINHART
 
HPD