740.0011 European War 1939/17731½: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 22—9:39 a.m.]
13. My 12, December 20, 9 p.m. Sir Alexander Cadogan2 informed me this evening that it became apparent at the most recent meetings between Eden and Stalin that it would be impossible to reconcile the British and Soviet drafts of the proposed pacts on the joint war effort and European postwar problems, in view of the Soviet attitude with respect to the recognition of the 1941 frontiers. It was accordingly agreed that the project to conclude pacts on these two points should be abandoned and that a joint communiqué on the Moscow conversations should be issued instead. This communiqué is to be released Monday, December 29.
Although Cadogan did not permit me to read the communiqué (a copy of which he said would be handed to Ambassador Winant) he informed me that it asserts that as a result of the Moscow conversations between the delegation headed by Eden and the Soviet representatives headed by Stalin, full agreement was found to exist with respect to the joint conduct of the war, which is to be prosecuted until Hitlerite Germany shall have been definitively vanquished. Thereafter steps will be taken to prevent the recurrence of German aggression. It also states that insofar as postwar reconstruction is concerned the conversations have brought about an understanding between the parties which will facilitate further discussion of the subject.
When I asked Cadogan whether the reference to further discussion meant that the conversations just ended would be resumed in the near future he replied that the next step to be taken by his Government will be to consult with the Government of the United States. He expressed the opinion that it might be found advisable for the American and British Governments to agree as to their attitude toward postwar problems and to present their agreement jointly for the consideration of the Soviet Government.
In the course of our general conversation I again inquired with respect to Stalin’s attitude toward the establishment of a second front against Hitler in Europe. Cadogan confirmed Eden’s statement that while the subject had been explored Stalin had recognized the validity [Page 205] of the British argument against such a course at this time and had displayed no inclination to press the matter.
With respect to Soviet participation in the war against Japan he also confirmed Eden’s statement that Stalin had indicated that the Soviet Union is not in a position to engage in hostilities with Japan at present but that it may be by next Spring.
He also informed me that Stalin appears to be most optimistic with respect to the present military situation and that he had expressed the belief that Germany will be defeated within 1 year and Japan possibly within 6 months.
Probably because General Nye and other members of the Mission are visiting the front today Eden’s departure has been postponed until tomorrow.
- British Permanent Under Secrtary of State for Foreign Affairs.↩