740.0011 European War 1939 (M)/3: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:18 p.m.]
1748. The Soviet Government entertained the American and British Special Missions Thursday night98 at a state dinner at the Kremlin. All of the officers of the American and British Embassies were also invited. Stalin was present throughout the evening. The occasion was marked by great cordiality. Over 30 toasts were given, those to the United States being particularly friendly. Several of the toasts were proposed by Stalin, the most noteworthy of which was to President Roosevelt. Stalin said that the President is assisting those countries resisting aggression and at the same time is endeavoring to remain in a position which, when the time comes, will enable him to use his influence for peace. He wished him success in these efforts. In a subsequent toast Stalin paid particular tribute to American industry and said that the war would be won by industrial production, singling out motor and oil output as of the utmost importance. He said that the United States is giving more assistance as a nonbelligerent than some countries in history had given as allies. He fully acknowledged this assistance and expressed the hope that before long all three countries would be fighting side by side.
[Page 841]The dinner, which began at 6, was magnificently appointed and took place in the Kremlin Palace. Although the guests numbered nearly 100, Stalin greeted most of them personally. The atmosphere was accentuated by the firing of the anti-aircraft batteries in the Kremlin during the dinner. Typical of Stalin’s cordiality was his gesture in leaving his place at the table to greet the pilots of the two American airplanes when a toast was proposed to them. Following the dinner two Soviet films were shown. The guests took their leave shortly after 1 o’clock. Stalin remained to say goodnight.
- October 2.↩