760C.61/984a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley)
434. Department’s 402, August 19, 10 p.m. The President has Asked Mr. Willkie, after consultation with you and Henderson,62 [Page 183] to express to Stalin the hope of the American Government that all efforts will be made to bring about an amelioration of Polish-Soviet relations.
In this connection the Polish Ambassador today Asked whether the Department had endeavored through your intervention to ascertain, in connection with the representations on behalf of the Polish relief delegates, whether relief to Polish citizens in the Soviet Union may be handled by new Polish delegates to be appointed, or by other competent agencies. The Ambassador also asked whether representations had been made to obtain the release of the “3400” Polish officers reportedly still being held in Arctic regions by the Soviet authorities. You may decide to make these representations concurrently with Mr. Willkie or independently.
Churchill has informed General Sikorski that subsequent to any representations made by the United States Government to bring about an amelioration of Polish-Soviet relations, the British Government will supplement these representations to Soviet officials. Please advise Department at earliest moment when it might be suggested through the Polish Government to Mr. Churchill that his contemplated support would be opportune.
Please keep the Department advised when any action is taken in this matter.
- Loy W. Henderson, Counselor of Embassy at Moscow.↩