711.61/773: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Steinhardt)
828. Your 1579, November 19, 7 [9] p.m. The Department approves the steps you have taken and the policy you have adopted in your conversations with Lozovski and is especially glad that you have brought this matter to its attention at this time. You may be sure that you will have its full support in your efforts to solve the problems confronting the Embassy.
On November 27 Mr. Welles personally discussed with the Soviet Ambassador the various matters referred to in your telegram under reference. In response to the Ambassador’s contention that these [Page 417] problems were of minor importance compared with the grievances of the Soviet Government against the United States, Mr. Welles pointed out that it appeared impossible to weigh in the balance the importance of the complaints of one side or of the other, and referred to the understanding between the Ambassador and Mr. Welles that their conversations should be directed towards the removal of legitimate causes for complaint with the purpose of paving the way to a more profitable relationship between the two governments. The Ambassador adopted a sympathetic and responsive attitude and promised to transmit Mr. Welles’ remarks to his Government.
The Department is pleased to note the favorable results attained so far, as reported in your 1645, November 29, 9 [7] p.m. It would appear from Oumansky’s present conciliatory and friendly manner that the Soviet Government, for the present at least, is assuming a more reasonable attitude in regard to the solution of outstanding problems in Soviet-American relations. In your discretion you may inform the appropriate Soviet authorities that your Government is appreciative of the tendency of Soviet officials to adopt a more cooperative attitude towards the Embassy and its problems.
Please continue to keep the Department informed of further developments.