740.0011 European War 1939/15772: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 11—5:18 p.m.]
1791. For the President, the Secretary and Under Secretary. The threat to Moscow occasioned by the new German offensive was not disclosed to the public until October 8th, and then only by indirection when a Soviet communiqué was published in the press stating that particularly intense battles were taking place in the Vyazma and Bryansk sectors. Prior to that date the Soviet communiqués followed almost without deviation the standardized form established many weeks ago which merely reported “battles with the enemy along the entire front.”
[Page 908]The sudden announcement that the Germans had advanced 90 miles from near Smolensk to Vyazma, followed a day later by a communiqué admitting the loss of Orel, has come as a great shock to the inhabitants of Moscow who were given no inkling of what was taking place. In consequence there is now unmistakable evidence of more than uneasiness.
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In view of the developing situation I am revising our plan of evacuation made at the outbreak of the war in order that the personnel and property of the Embassy may be safeguarded as effectively as lies within our power. For the moment I do not contemplate the evacuation of personnel although it may become necessary to endeavor to take such action on very short notice.
The plan of course is being adjusted in so far as possible to include the substantial number of Americans who have arrived in Moscow during the past month and who consist primarily of additional Army and Navy officers and newspaper correspondents.
Should we find it necessary and feasible to evacuate personnel I shall remain in Moscow as long as the Soviet Government does. If the Government leaves and makes provision for the diplomats to accompany it I shall do so. Otherwise I shall endeavor to the best of my ability to join the Government. Thompson’s group will remain in Moscow, if the Soviet authorities permit. The British Ambassador and I have discussed this subject fully and have an understanding to take common action in so far as concerns the evacuation of our respective personnel and in endeavoring to accompany or join the Government.
- The omitted portion reported some current military rumors and prospects.↩