Washington, Oct. 12.
An oficial declaration disclosing that the United States had made a demarche to Moscow regarding Soviet claims on Finland was published by the State Department here this after noon. The declaration read:
"The American Government expressed to the Soviet Government its sincere hope that nothing will occur which may prejudice existent peaceful relations between the U.S.S.R. and Finland. This action was taken unilaterally and independently: by the Government of the United States."
Questioned by newspapermen, the Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, refused to comment on the demarche lodged at the Kremlin at 230 p.m. (Moscow Time) by the American Ambassador, Mr. Laurence Steinhardt. He declared he was waiting for a report from the envoy following the latter's conversation with the Soviet Foreign Commissar, M. Viacheslav Molotoff.
Authoritative quarters emphasized that American representations were simply a new affirmation of the principle that governs the United States' stand in all international questions; refusal to admit the use of force in settling international problems. For the time being, the same circles added, the United States took this stand on purely moral grounds, basing itself on statements made by Int. Hull not ten days ago, when he affirmed continued recognition of the Polish Government.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.