The Foreign Office and Finland

Description

The book looks at the ways in which the Northern Department of the Foreign Office approached matters pertaining to Finland in the years 1938-1940, concentrating on the particular issues of the proposed refortification of the Åland Islands, Finnish rearmament and aid to Finland during the Winter War with the Soviet Union.

At the beginning of this period, the Northern Department officials aimed at giving support to Finland while, at the same time, attempting to create an environment where Finland and the Soviet Union could reach agreement, thus keeping Finland out of the German sphere of influence.

Contents

Introduction Chapter 1. 1938: British policy, the Åland Islands and Finnish rearmament Chapter 2. 1939: Attempts to solve the Åland Islands problem Chapter 3. 1939: The problems of rearmament Chapter 4. Britain, the USSR, and the question of Finland Chapter 5. The Aftermath of the Nazi-Soviet Pact: The Northern Department and the deterioration of Finno-Soviet Relations Chapter 6. The debate at Geneva Chapter 7 The Winter War: the first month Chapter 8. The Winter War: The second and third months Chapter 9. The end of the war and the frustration of Collier's hopes Conclusion Bibliography

Related Subjects

1. Modern History 1750-1945
2. Military & Naval History