There was a strong feeling in Scandinavian countries that the United States is able to save Finland with comparatively small effort by diplomatic pressure together with allocation of a few purchases.
Officials of the Swedish Government did not comment on Mr.
Welles' visit, but unofficial circles considered that the western conflict would be insoluble unless the Russo-
Finnish war was terminated. They believe that if Mr. Welles disregarded the Scandinavians and the Finn war in his tour, this would mark the trip as purely a domestic United States manoeuvre, possibly to strengthen President Roosevelt's prestige in priming for a third term. These circles claimed that the Russo-Finnish dispute is the decisive focal point in the European conflagration. These unofücial Swedish quarters also pointed out that whatever success Mr.
Welles trip should have would re-donnd equally to Mr. Hull's credit, in case President Roosevelt is not considering a third term.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.