After Finland declared itself an independent state in December 1917, Sweden established a legation in Helsinki in January 1918.

The then Consul General in Helsinki, Walter Ahlström [sv; fr; fi], was appointed that same month as chargé d'affaires to represent Sweden in Finland until further notice.

He immediately assumed his role as the new emissary while continuing to serve as consul general.

[3] In April of the same year, Westman presented his credentials to the Chairman of the Senate of Finland Pehr Evind Svinhufvud.

[4] In September 1954, an agreement was reached between the Swedish and Finish governments on the mutual elevation of the respective countries' legations to embassies.