Finland's representatives meet Stalin in Moscow

In a critical diplomatic meeting, representatives from Finland engaged with Soviet leaders Joseph Stalin and Vyacheslav Molotov in Moscow. The discussions centered around the Soviet Union's demands for Finland to relinquish a military base located near Helsinki. This request was part of a broader strategy by the Soviet Union to enhance its security, particularly concerning the protection of Leningrad from potential threats posed by Great Britain or Germany. The negotiations also included proposals for territorial exchanges between Finland and the Soviet Union, aimed at creating a buffer zone to mitigate any future military incursions. The geopolitical context of this meeting was marked by rising tensions in Europe, as nations prepared for the impending conflicts that would shape the continent's future. Finland's strategic position made it a focal point in the Soviet Union's security calculations, reflecting the complex interplay of regional power dynamics during this period.