661.6231/206: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Grummon) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 13—12:45 p.m.]
310. My telegram 307, June 12. I am informed in strict confidence that the German Ambassador in connection with his discussions in Berlin concerning commercial negotiations between Germany [Page 325] and the Soviet Union will take up the question of the political relations with the Soviet Government. It was stated that in the light of his conversations with Molotov (see my telegram No. 258, May 22, 11 a.m.) the Ambassador intends to recommend to his Government not only for the purpose of facilitating a commercial agreement but also for the possible effect on the Anglo-Russian negotiations the desirability of some steps of a concrete nature to remove Soviet distrust of German inhuman treatment and to make apparent to the Soviet Government that Germany entertains no aggressive designs against the Soviet Union. Although the exact nature of the steps which the Ambassador will suggest was not disclosed, the personal opinion was offered that the Soviet-German treaty signed in Berlin in April 192684 which has never been denounced might serve as a basis for a discussion with the Soviet Government. It was stated that it was impossible to anticipate what would be the reaction of the German Government to any such suggestion since the decision would presumably be based on consideration touching the relations with other countries not easily ascertainable in Moscow.
- For text of the Treaty of Neutrality and Nonaggression signed on April 24, 1926, see League of Nations Treaty Series, vol. liii, p. 387.↩