711.61/357: Telegram
The Secretary of State 35 to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 3:43 a.m.]
5. Your number 8, November 17, noon.36 I have just issued the following statement to the correspondents aboard ship:
“I am gratified to learn that the peoples of the United States and Russia, after a frank exchange of views at Washington, have resumed normal relations and that the preliminary basis agreed upon is substantially that indicated before I left Washington. The badly confused world situation will be improved by this natural and timely step which is proof of the marked progress possible in all international dealings when there exists such splendid initiative as that displayed by the President and the mutual disposition and will to approach serious world problems in a friendly and fearless spirit.”