740.0011 European War 1939/473: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union ( Steinhardt ) to the Secretary of State

585. My telegram No. 557, September 17, 9 p.m. I am informed by a member of the French Embassy that the French Government has decided not to break off relations with the Soviet Government by reason of the Soviet invasion of Poland and that up to the present time the French Embassy here has made no formal protest to the Soviet Government on the matter. I understand that the decision of the British Government will be similar to that of the French. The French Chargé d’Affaires yesterday saw Potemkin71 and requested an oral explanation of the arbitrary action against Poland.

Steinhardt
  1. Vladimir P. Potemkin, Soviet First Assistant Commissar for Foreign Affairs.