740.0011 European War 1939/8656: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Steinhardt)
240. Your 379, February 26, 10 p.m. Unless you perceive some objection thereto, please request an urgent interview with Molotov and inform him orally and confidentially substantially as follows:
The Government of the U. S., while endeavoring to estimate the developing world situation, have come into the possession of information which it regards as authentic clearly indicating that it is the intention of Germany to attack the Soviet Union in the not distant future. It would appear that the plan to attack the Soviet Union is contingent upon the extent to which England, supported by American endeavor, will be able to oppose not only the military strength but also the economic efforts of Germany.
[Page 713]You may add it is only after considerable hesitation that your Government has authorized you to convey this information but your Government has felt that it would not be to the common interest of the countries which have thus far succeeded in maintaining political and economic independence in the face of German aggression for it to remain silent while in possession of such important information.
If it is impossible to see Molotov within the next day or two, you may in your judgment convey this information to Vyshinski.7
Please keep Department informed.
- Andrey Yanuaryevich Vyshinsky, Assistant People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union.↩