Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1941, General, The Soviet Union, Volume I

701.6111/1015: Telegram

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

Moscow, June 11, 1941—5 p.m.
[Received 7:07 p.m.]

1126. Department’s 777, June 10, 2 p.m.⁶¹ While it is, of course, possible that the Soviet Government may resort to reprisals, it is by no means certain that it will do so in view of existing international conditions.

Inasmuch as great importance is attached to prestige by the Soviet Government, I am of the opinion that any publicity concerning the recall of these two Soviet Attachés which appeared to emanate from authorized quarters in the United States might result in reprisals, whereas, should there be no publicity or merely unauthorized rumors, even though they may appear in print, the Soviet authorities would be less likely to resort to reprisals.⁶²

Steinhardt

61. Not printed; but see the preceding footnote.
62. The Ambassador was informed in telegram No. 798, June 14, 1941, that the Department did not intend to issue any statement unless compelled to do so “in order to offset rumors emanating from Soviet circles or elsewhere.” (701.6111/1018)