"By defusing this hotbed of war, we have done something really fundamental for peace in Europe," he stated. The government did not in fact organize a dinner or devote any particular attention to Schuman, unless one counts the supper invitation by social affairs minister, Vaino Leskinen, at the Helsinki community hall, where Schuman was to meet some trade union people.
President Paasikivi was, however, present at Schuman's presentation and also had an audience with him. Paasikivi wrote in his diaries about the pleasant impression Schuman had made on him. Schuman believed that the antagonism between France and Germany would gradually be removed and that the Coal and Steel Community would be a step towards this.