Protocol

The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the President of the Republic of Finland,
Sincerely desiring to develop and strengthen still further the relations based on friendships, good-neighbourliness and mutual trust between the two countries,
Have decided to sign this Protocol extending the Treaty of friendship, coöperation and mutual assistance of 6 April 1948 between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Republic of Finland and have for that purpose appointed as their plenipotentiaries:
The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics: A. A. Gromyko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the USSR;
The President of the Republic of Finland: Väinö Leskinen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland,
who, having exchanged their full powers, found in good and due form, have agreed as follows:

Article 1

The Treaty of friendship, coöperation and mutual assistance of 6 April 1948 between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Republic of Finland shall remain in force for a period of 20 years from the date of the entry into force of this Protocol.

If neither of the High Contracting Parties denounces the Treaty one year before the expiry of the said period, it shall remain in force for further periods of five years until such time as one of the High Contracting Parties gives notice in writing, one year before the expiry of the current five-year period, of its intention to terminate the Treaty.

Article 2

This Protocol is subject to ratification and shall enter into force on the date of the exchange of the instruments of ratification, which shall take place at Helsinki as soon as possible.

In witness whereof, the plenipotentiaries have signed this Protocol and have thereto affixed their seals.

Done at Moscow on 20 July 1970, in duplicate in the Russian and Finnish languages, both texts being equally authentic.