Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1942, Europe, Volume III

032 Willkie, Wendell/58½

Memorandum of Telephone Conversation, by Mr. Elbridge Durbrow of the Division of European Affairs

[Washington,] August 24, 1942.

In connection with a telegram from Prime Minister General Sikorski to the Polish Ambassador which was delivered to the Department today⁴³ suggesting that Mr. Willkie during his conversations with Stalin might express the hope of the United States Government that every effort be made to bring about a better understanding between Poland and the Soviet Union, Mr. Atherton called Mr. Willkie on the telephone to advise him that the President and the Secretary desired Mr. Willkie to bring up this matter when talking to Mr. Stalin.

Mr. Atherton informed Mr. Willkie that Admiral Standley had full knowledge of this situation and had recently received telegram No. 402, of August 19, 10 p.m.,⁴⁴ from the Department in this regard. Mr. Atherton indicated, furthermore, that Mr. Henderson who is now in Moscow is also familiar with this subject and suggested that the Ambassador and Mr. Henderson could advise Mr. Willkie as to how this matter might best be approached.

Mr. Atherton told Mr. Willkie that he would send to him by special messenger this afternoon a copy of General Sikorski’s telegram.

Mr. Atherton advised Mr. Willkie that the Department had received from the War Department full particulars regarding Mr. Willkie’s proposed itinerary and that on the basis of this the Department was endeavoring in every way to see that all arrangements are made covering the part of the flight in the Soviet Union.⁴⁵

In regard to Mr. Willkie’s request that the Secretary be asked whether he, Mr. Willkie, should make any statement upon his arrival in the Soviet Union, Mr. Atherton read to Mr. Willkie the following statement suggested by the Secretary:

“I am here to cooperate in all the aims of the United Nations and in particular for the mutual benefit of our two countries in the common cause of achieving victory and peace.”

43. See memorandum by the Polish Ambassador, August 24, p. 175.
44. Ante, p. 174.
45. Mr. Willkie’s journey was publicly announced at the President’s press conference on August 21, 1942, when it was stated that he Would go as Special Representative of President Roosevelt. In a letter of August 22 to Stalin, the President explained the routing desired by Willkie into China and his return to the United States by way of eastern Siberia and Alaska. The President wrote “I think it will be of real benefit to both of our countries if he [Willkie] can get a firsthand impression of the splendid unity of Russia and the great defense you are conducting.”