760C.61/987a
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador to the Polish Government in Exile (Biddle), at London
Polish Series No. 25. The President has Asked Mr. Willkie to express to the Soviet authorities the hope of the American Government that an effort be made to bring about an amelioration in Soviet-Polish relations.
For your personal background information Mr. Willkie has been Asked in talking to Stalin to take the attitude that the American Government is distressed at the friction which has developed between Soviet and Polish officials which if not eliminated will eventually work to the advantage of Hitler, and to state frankly the hope of the American Government that both parties to the dispute make a sincere endeavor to settle their differences after reviewing them in a spirit of good will and mutual confidence. Furthermore, Mr. Willkie has been Asked to point out particularly that it is in the common interest of the United Nations including this country that there should be maximium cooperation and hence the least possible cause for friction between the diverse nations fighting against the Axis powers.
In order that the United States may maintain a neutral attitude in regard to the differences which have arisen between Poland and the Soviet Union Mr. Willkie has also been asked to inform Stalin that the United States Government has instructed you to discuss these matters in a similar vein with General Sikorski.
Although it is realized that you have discussed this problem on many occasions with the Polish authorities, you should make occasion to express to General Sikorski the hope of the American Government that the Polish authorities in reviewing the differences they have had with the Soviet Government endeavor in every way to deal with the problem in as generous and friendly manner as possible in order that no stone may be left unturned in their efforts to settle these pressing problems.