[1] Eljas Erkko graduated as Abitur in 1914, Vimpeli School of War in 1918 and Master of Laws in 1922.

Erkko was a President's elector chosen by voters in the presidential elections held in 1931, 1937, 1940 and 1943.

As the Winter War started, Väinö Tanner assigned a new government and decided to appoint himself as foreign minister.

[citation needed] At the beginning of the Continuation War, Erkko was a head of POW office in Finland till 1942.

[citation needed] Later years Erkko worked as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sanoma.