(Split) post-WW2 Sweden and Finland

[Joe McCarthy]

Um, the NATO didn't even exist at the time the YYA treaty was signed, btw.

Yes, which I alluded to earlier. That is one of the defenses I also alluded to. It was signed though during heavy Soviet-American tension. I'd need to double check the dates but I know it was around the time of the Berlin Airlift and start of the Cold War. In other words, Finland could have reneged later, or even not signed it at all given that the USSR and US were already at loggerheads.

[Joe McCarthy]

Okay, the Berlin Airlft began about two months after the treaty was signed. That strengthens the Finnish position. But the Cold War started in 1947.

[The Ripper]

Okay, the Berlin Airlft began about two months after the treaty was signed. That strengthens the Finnish position. But the Cold War started in 1947.

In 1947 the Paris Peace Treaty, dictated by the allies, was signed, which declares that Finland cannot become part of any alliance directed against the USSR.

[Eldritch]

In other words, Finland could have reneged later, or even not signed it at all given that the USSR and US were already at loggerheads.

And why on Earth would we have wanted to do that? For the privilege of doing the "noble" thing and joining NATO an international alliance against Communism?

If it's opposing Communism that you want, I doubt that we could have done much better given the circumstances. Like Riip already pointed out, not terribly many Americans died fighting the Soviets in WW2.

Okay, the Berlin Airlft began about two months after the treaty was signed. That strengthens the Finnish position.

There's no position here. We aren't answerable to you.

[Joe McCarthy]

There's no position here. We aren't answerable to you.

You take all of this stuff very personally, don't you? If I responded to all of the ignorant anti-American bullshit around here with half as much hostility as you respond to even moderate criticism of Europe or Finland, I'd be engaged in non-stop flame wars.

[Joe McCarthy]

In 1947 the Paris Peace Treaty, dictated by the allies, was signed, which declares that Finland cannot become part of any alliance directed against the USSR.

Do you have a link on that provision signifying Finland couldn't join an anti-Soviet alliance? I've looked at three links and haven't seen it.

[The Ripper]

Do you have a link on that provision signifying Finland couldn't join an anti-Soviet alliance? I've looked at three links and haven't seen it.

Hmm. May be I got it mixed up with the YYA.

[Eldritch]

You take all of this stuff very personally, don't you? If I responded to all of the ignorant anti-American bullshit around here with half as much hostility as you respond to even moderate criticism of Europe or Finland, I'd be engaged in non-stop flame wars.

Then go deal with the anti-American bullshit in whatever way you find appropriate. As long as you stop running your mouth and then suddenly start talking in circles when asked for elaboration/application.

This forum has many established and well-respected American members (including staff members), and anti-American sentiment has never been a major problem here. Until you came along, that is.