In Finnish

Telegram from the Moscow Legation to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, December 7, 1940

The second statement made by Commissar Molotov on December 6, was as follows: "We do not wish to interfere in the matter, or make any hints with reference to the nominations for a new presidential candidate in Finland, but we are watching closely the preparations for the election. We shall conclude whether Finland desires peace with the USSR, on the basis of who is chosen as President. It is clear that if some such person as Tanner, Kivimäki, Mannerheim or Svinhufvud is elected President, we shall draw the conclusion that Finland does not wish to observe the Peace Treaty she has concluded with the USSR." I remarked that the election of a President was a purely domestic affair of ours, which M. Molotov admitted. He added that of course you can elect whomever you like to the presidency, but we have the right to draw our own conclusions. I said that we will observe the peace treaty; the presidential election does not affect that. As M. Molotov read the above from his paper, I could not help listening, and at my request he gave me the paper. I bring the matter hereby to your attention.

Paasikivi.

Source: Finland reveals her secret documents on Soviet policy, March 1940—June 1941. Doc. nr. 51. Wilfred Funk, New York 1941.
The book is a verbatim translation of the "Blue-White Book" published by the Foreign Ministry of Finland, 1941.

Finland in the Soviet foreign policy 1939-1940