Today, I received a radiogram in which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs demands that I prevent the Repolites from defending their homeland against the Bolsheviks by force of arms. However, this task is impossible for a person like me. To comply with this demand would mean committing a grave moral crime.

The current active policy in Repola is, in reality, not an expression of strength but rather a response to provocation (this word should not be understood in its usual negative sense) and relies on just a few individuals. The deeper layers of the population are still so undeveloped that they are not inspired by such a concrete nationalism. I do not believe that the Repolites, at this stage of politics, will be able to rise, especially since their backbone, Paavo Höttönen, has been broken. However, I have already noticed the sprout of a higher national development, and the deliberate killing of this sprout is impossible for me.

It may even be that what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeks will be beneficial for the Repolites. But only the future will show this. Of course, I do not suspect You, Mr. Minister, of having ill intentions toward the Repolites, but as has been said, personally, with my convictions and worldview, I cannot destroy the awakening desire for freedom in the soul of the people of Karelia, even if I see that it lacks a broader intellectual foundation. I believe that only this path, which some of the Repolites have recently embarked upon, will lead—despite how things may look in the coming years—to the national freedom of the people of Karelia, a freedom through which the young cultural talents of the Kalevala spirit will be revived.

For the above reason, I cannot, Mr. Minister, carry out Your directive but am compelled to take my own life by suicide. Do not think that I am doing this rashly. No, I had a premonition of this since last autumn when Finland, at the peace negotiations in Tartu, renounced Repola and Porosozero, and when You, Mr. Minister, asked me to stay on here. Perhaps it is precisely through this act, which is essentially a compromise, that I will fulfill the task You assigned to me, as it may be that, along with me, the idea of Repola's freedom will also fade for a time—whether for good or ill, I do not know. But at the same time, I hope that this act of mine will help atone for the mistakes Finland has made regarding Karelia and will inspire the people of Karelia in the future, when global politics enter a more favorable phase, to realize their aspirations for freedom together with their brotherly people.

Before taking up the instrument of my demise, I would like—hoping that You will understand and forgive any mistakes I may have made—to thank You, Mr. Minister, for the trust You have placed in me.

Repola
January 12, 1921

H.H.Sivén
Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Repola and Porosozero

Translated by Margarita Matthew, 2024