840.50/2481a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley)
860. Department’s 743, August 25, 7 p.m. No reply has yet been received from the Soviet Government although a further note was sent to the Soviet Embassy here on September 10 [9]9 saying that this Government hoped to have replies from the Soviet and Chinese Governments by September 15 so that arrangements could be made for signature of the agreement before the end of October.
[Page 992]At the same time the Soviet Embassy and the British and Chinese Embassies were asked to secure the reactions of their Governments to the proposal of this Government that the agreement should be signed at a ceremony in the White House in Washington and that the Council should meet immediately thereafter at a place to be selected outside of Washington. Inquiry was made also as to whether these Governments would be prepared themselves to sign the agreement without reservation under Article IX.
The British and Chinese Governments have stated that the proposed modifications of the draft and the procedural arrangements are acceptable and that they are prepared to sign the agreement without reservation.
A note is being sent to the Soviet Embassy today10 expressing the hope that the Chargé will send a further telegram to Moscow stating the situation and requesting that responses to the various points raised be expedited so far as possible. The note to the Embassy also states that you have been kept informed of these matters and that you will be prepared to discuss them with the Soviet Government if that would be helpful.
It will be appreciated if you will take whatever steps appear, to you appropriate and helpful in securing early action by the Soviet Government. The Department would also appreciate a report from you regarding the attitudes or intentions of the Soviet Government on this matter.