THE FINNISH LINE

I have to correct certain statements by Mr. Christer Dahlsten (Letters, Oct. 27). He states, incorrectly, that the Swedish-speaking minority of Finland consists of 7% of the population. The correct number is 5.9%. He adds that this minority stands for 70% of the GNP of the country. This is also untrue. The correct number is the above-mentioned 5.9%.

He speaks about “the Swedes of Finland.” No such entity exists or has ever existed. You can only talk about a Swedish-speaking minority. Although my mother tongue is Swedish, my roots are German. Mr. Dahlsten claims that the composer Jean Sibelius was “a Swede in Finland.” This statement is also untrue.

JORN DONNER

Consul General of Finland

Los Angeles