124.611/237: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union ( Wiley ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 23—4 p.m.]
29. Your 14, January 21, 6 p.m.82 Have continued since the delivery of note to press Foreign Office for reply. Saw Rubinin again, this morning and urged necessity of its being delivered by tomorrow. Rubinin replied that yesterday was a holiday, also tomorrow, that moreover all branches of the Government were in a state of “feverish” preparation for the All Union Congress.83 Nevertheless the questions involved had been referred to the several competent authorities and everything possible had been done to expedite matters and to have them considered in most friendly spirit possible.
I replied that I was obliged to telegraph fully and precisely tomorrow and suggested that he arrange a meeting today of the authorities concerned in an endeavor to reach a decision at least in respect of: the more important questions involved. He promised to see Krestinski at once and to do everything possible. He will communicate with me later today or tomorrow.
Rubinin repeated that the employment of labor presented so many difficulties that it might be necessary to confide construction to a Soviet organization with stipulations governing the carrying out of the, work. American foremen, et cetera, could be put at its disposition. I replied that my Government would most certainly not undertake the construction unless it were in entire charge of its every phase. Perhaps it would not object to an intermediary Soviet organization in addition to paying Soviet labor—functioning in an advisory capacity particularly in respect of Soviet legal matters and building regulations.
If the reply is not forthcoming by tomorrow which is not unlikely I shall endeavor to learn definite date when it may be expected as well as any further information that may be available. Will telegraph promptly.