800.51W89 U.S.S.R./69: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Bullitt)
123. Your 13930 and 140, June 14. From well-informed sources strong impression obtained that Soviet is most anxious to engage in trade transactions which Bank was created to carry on and that any official statements to the contrary are pure bluff.
We have had no idea of asking you to make any final declaration about construction of buildings in Moscow or establishment of consulates, but believe such intimations as you may readily make as to the probable effect on those matters and on future relations of refusal of the Soviet to observe the committals made the President might have wholesome effect. Certainly our Government could not escape severe criticism should it inferentially sanction violation of the promises of the Soviet, except for which recognition would not have been accorded.
Possible loss of Embassy site apparently not an acute question at this moment since not even draft of lease is completed.
Hope you will understand there is definite appreciation of all your present and prospective difficulties and that the full expression of your opinion is welcome.
- Not printed.↩