FOR THE MINISTER

ASSISTANCE TO FINLAND

1. Following upon the adoption by the League of Nations Assembly
on 14th December, 1939, of a resolution appealing to League
Members to assist Finland, the Commonwealth Government on 9th
January [1] asked the Australian High Commissioner in London to
inform the Secretary-General [2] that it was fully in accord with
the Assembly's resolution, that it had decided to make a donation
of A.10,000 to the Finnish Government for Red Cross purposes, and
that it had approved the launching of an appeal for funds
throughout Australia on behalf of the Finnish Red Cross.

Arrangements were thereupon made for payment to the Finnish
Government's representative in London of the equivalent in English
currency of A.10,000.

2. On 3rd February, a telegram was received from Mr. Bruce stating
that the League of Nations had issued a list of supplies urgently
needed in Finland. [3] The telegram, which set out those
commodities referred to in the list which are produced in
Australia, added that it was understood the Finns would arrange
for the carriage of any commodities put at their disposal. This
list of commodities was examined by the Department of Commerce
with a view to determining whether it was practicable for the
required supplies to be obtained in Australia. The question was
then submitted to Cabinet and on 26th February the Commonwealth
Government decided that a gift of A.50,000 worth of dried fruits
should be made to the Finnish Government. [4]

3. On 4th March, the Department of Commerce suggested that, in
advising the Australian High Commissioner of the Commonwealth
Government's decision, Mr. Bruce should be informed that 1,500
tons of sultanas would be available for shipment in April. Since
however no Finnish ships would be in Australian waters during
April or May, Mr. Bruce should be asked to advise whether space
could be secured on non-Finnish vessels bound for the United
Kingdom. [5] A telegram along these lines, approved by Sir Henry
Gullett [6], was forwarded to Mr. Bruce who was asked to inform
the Finnish representative in London and also the United Kingdom
Government of the Commonwealth Government's decision. No reply
from Mr. Bruce has yet been received and no public announcement as
to the Commonwealth Government's decision has so far been made.

4. It is submitted for consideration whether, in view of the
cessation of hostilities between Finland and the U.S.S.R., this
matter might be mentioned in Cabinet with a view to ascertaining
whether the Commonwealth Government's decision is to be adhered to
or whether any modification in this decision is desired. In this
respect, the Commerce Department are anxious to know whether they
are to proceed with purchasing and shipping arrangements. [7]