661.6231/256: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:25 p.m.]
251. Members of the Soviet Embassy here are stating that the trade negotiations with Germany are reaching the final stage and that an announcement may be expected shortly. It has also been intimated that the matter of the Galician oil fields will come within the purview of the commercial agreement between the two countries.
Insofar as public utterances and references in the press are concerned the tone of German-Soviet solidarity is being maintained. I have received a report, however, to the effect that a secret directive has been issued to certain newspaper editors in Germany to present material relating to German-Soviet relations in an aspect which need not necessarily preclude a reorientation of present German policy as regards the Soviets.