741.61/856: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 25, 1939—11:35 a.m.]
470. My 466, August 24.54 The French and British missions which were to depart last night and this morning, respectively, were instructed by London and Paris late yesterday evening to stay in Moscow and await further developments. A member of the British Embassy has informed me in strict confidence that yesterday Admiral Drax, head of the British mission, wrote a letter to Voroshilov stating that in view of the conclusion of the treaty with Germany there would seem to be no purpose in continuing the conversations and consequently the British mission was departing that evening “unless Voroshilov desired to see them again”. Although no reply has been received to [Page 310] this letter the Soviet authorities are avoiding any initiative in terminating the discussion with the British and French. It was stated that the heads of the British and French missions will probably see Voroshilov this afternoon. The opinion was expressed that in view of the terms of treaty, particularly article 3 which provides for exchange of information on problems of common interest, the continuance of the military conversations would appear to be impossible and that the Soviet authorities are maneuvering to place the onus for the formal breakdown upon the British and French. It was added that unless the proposed meeting with Voroshilov this afternoon produces unexpected and almost inconceivable results the missions will probably leave this evening.
Please convey the foregoing to the War Department.
- Not printed.↩