740.00118 European War 1939/473a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Steinhardt)
928. Department has obtained impression that one of the reasons for Soviet reluctance to permit an American naval observer to reside in Vladivostok is apprehension lest Japan or some other power may demand similar treatment. In discussing this matter with the Soviet authorities, it may be helpful for you to point out that this Government is not accustomed to make any announcement with regard to [Page 904] the presence of naval observers in various ports. These observers work informally in the ports in which they are stationed and so conduct themselves as not to attract undue attention to their presence.
In case you feel that the Soviet Government is likely not to accede to the appointment of a naval observer, you are authorized, in your discretion, [to] request agreement to the appointment of a shipping advisor to the American Consulate General in Vladivostok. Such an advisor, although an American naval officer, would be on detail at the Consulate General in the capacity of an employee of that office and would come under the supervision and control of the senior consular officer. We have such advisors at present in a number of Far Eastern ports.
We are still awaiting your report on our request for appointment of Naval Attachés at Moscow.