761.6211/78: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bullitt) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 23—1:55 p.m.]
1553. Rochat informed me this morning that the conversation Naggiar, French Ambassador in Moscow, [had] with Molotov had been most unsatisfactory. Molotov had refused to give any details whatsoever with regard to the German-Soviet agreement and had merely said that it was the point of view of the Soviet Government that the military conversations with France and England could be recommenced just as soon as the situation was somewhat more clear.
The French Government therefore has no idea what may be in the text of the Soviet-German agreement but, hoping against hope that the German-Soviet negotiations may break down at the last moment, the French and British Governments have decided to keep their military negotiators in Moscow until the Soviet Government shall have made it clear that their presence is no longer desirable.
[Page 308]The French Government is continuing quietly to summon men to the front and now has well over a million and a half men on the frontiers.
The Italians yesterday began reinforcing their troops on French frontier and it is probable that now the French Government will inform the Italian Government that in view of these measures the French will be obliged to reinforce their troops on the Italian frontier. Up to the present time all French reinforcements are evidently sent to the German frontier.
Ciano has not yet received the French Ambassador, François-Poncet, and there are no conversations whatsoever in progress between the French and Italian Governments.
Reports reaching the French Foreign Office from all quarters have produced the impression that Hitler may send an ultimatum to Poland on the day after tomorrow, Friday, and that in any event such an ultimatum may be expected within a week at the outside.
Reports from Poland indicate that the Poles certainly will fight.
The Rumanians are reported to be in a state of acute anxiety and there is little confidence that they will resist German pressure.
On the other hand reports from Hungary indicate that Horthy51 and Teleki52 are remaining firm in their opposition to German threats and blandishments and are unwilling to enter the German’s orbit.
Reports from Yugoslavia indicate a determination on the part of the Yugoslavs to maintain their independence.
Greece is reported to be absolutely determined to resist any Italian pressure and to contemplate entering war on the side of France and England.
It is still believed that in spite of the Russian defection, Turkey will enter war on the side of France and England, and will occupy the Dodecanese.
All reports from Spain tend to show that General Franco’s53 government will maintain a strict neutrality.
Reports from Japan state that the Japanese Government has been completely bewildered by the German action in making a pact with the Soviet Union, and that a great opportunity has been presented for England to improve her relations with Japan.
The British Government has given no indication of weakening in its intention to support Poland. The French Government remains determined to fight in support of Poland.