661.6231/203: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 6—9:30 a.m.]
447. Continuing my 446, June 6, 10 a.m. In a recent conversation with the Soviet Chargé in regard to the matter of German-Soviet trade negotiations based on the reference thereto in Molotov’s speech82 he refrained from stating whether negotiations had been actually resumed but commented on the cessation of German press attacks against Soviet Russia and added that the Soviet Government would not be averse to discussing the matter of the improvement of trade between the two countries with special reference to the possibility of purchasing machinery in Germany. Although the Chargé was non-committal in the matter he conveyed the impression that it might now be expected that Schnurre, who was on his way to Moscow when the Soviet-German trade negotiations were interrupted several months ago, would proceed to Moscow in the near future for consultation. He added however that there was no question of a German trade commission proceeding from Berlin to Moscow.
- For a summary of Molotov’s speech of May 31, 1939, before the Supreme Council of the Soviet Union, see telegram No. 282, June 1, 1939, from the Chargé in the Soviet Union, Foreign Relations, The Soviet Union, 1933–1939, p. 764.↩