740.0011 Moscow/10–3143
Memorandum of Conversation54
| Participants: | The Secretary |
| Mr. Anthony Eden | |
| Sir Archibald Clark Kerr (Joined meeting as it was closing) | |
| Mr. W. A. Harriman |
Mr. Eden called on Mr. Hull about 4:15 P.M. and remained about forty minutes. The question of the meeting of the heads of state was discussed. The Secretary outlined to Mr. Eden his conversation last night with Marshal Stalin in which he urged on Stalin the importance of the meeting. The talk with Stalin was friendly and Mr. Hull got the impression that he was sincere, but it was not productive of a change in the negative attitude of the Marshal. Stalin mentioned the possibility of Molotov attending the meeting, to which Mr. Hull responded that, although Molotov was well qualified, it would not be the same thing at all to the world. The Secretary read to Mr. Eden a draft of a cable which he was preparing to send to the President on his recommendations regarding this and related subjects.55
Mr. Eden brought up the question of a certain Italian general, now a member of the Badoglio Government, whose anti-Allied record was so bad that he thought we should insist on his removal. Mr. Eden asked if Mr. Strang might discuss the matter with Mr. Dunn, to which the Secretary agreed.
[Page 689]The conversation, closed with the subject of Turkey regarding which Mr. Eden was about to talk with Molotov. Mr. Eden said a cable from the Prime Minister had been received indicating that Leros could not be held without Turkish cooperation, at least to the extent of giving the British use of air bases and some transportation facilities. Also the Prime Minister suggested that it was time for the Turks to allow some British submarines and merchant vessels to pass through the Dardanelles.
Mr. Eden wanted the Secretary’s approval before talking to Molotov who he was afraid might be reluctant to take this mild step. Mr. Eden said he would indicate to Molotov a willingness to reconsider the matter in a month or so.
Mr. Eden plans to meet the Turkish Foreign Secretary en route home and put these matters up to him.