Editorial Note
The only source found concerning the conversation following dinner on August 24 is an informal memorandum by Harriman which contains the following information on the discussion:
“Eden and Cadogan came in after dinner and got a chance to read the cable.1 As it was a bit garbled and badly translated and paraphrased I could not find that it was one about which to be irritated. In recent days one has been worried about the Russians playing a lone hand. This cable rather rudely suggested that he should have greater participation in certain directions. The Prime Minister and President were particularly annoyed because they had attempted to keep him fully informed. But one can’t be annoyed with Stalin for being aloof [Page 967] and then be annoyed with him because he rudely joins the party. Pug Ismay and Anthony2 shared this view. I didn’t have a chance to talk to Harry.3
“But the Prime Minister would not have any of it. After dinner when we were alone he said he foresaw ‘bloody consequences in the future’ (using ‘bloody’ in the literal sense). ‘Stalin is an unnatural man. There will be grave troubles.’
“He ticked off Anthony when Anthony suggested it was not so bad, saying ‘There is no need for you to attempt to smooth it over in the Foreign Office manner’ (addressing Cadogan as well).” (Harriman Papers)