741.6111/71: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 28—9:43 a.m.]
547. The luncheon given by Molotov on May 26 on the occasion of the anniversary of the Soviet-British Treaty3 was marked by an unusual atmosphere of cordiality and friendship toward both the American and British representatives present not only on the part of Molotov but also of the other Soviet officials. Toasts were offered to the President, King George, Stalin, Churchill, Kalinin and the ranking guests. In his speech Molotov stressed the usefulness and importance now and after the war of the principles laid down in the Treaty and stated that as Stalin and the President were in full agreement therewith the Treaty could not help but serve the welfare of the world for years to come. Although he did not say so in so many words I distinctly obtained the opinion from the totality of his remarks during and after the luncheon that he wished to convey the impression that the Soviet Government had every intention to live up to the terms of the Treaty and to collaborate with Great Britain and the U.S. now and in the postwar period.
Considerable amusement was caused by the coincidence that the British Ambassador and I had prepared speeches on the same allegorical theme likening the Treaty to a newborn child whose parents had guarded it with loving care yet with some trepidation as to whether it would grow to sturdy manhood. We were proud to say that the child’s growth had exceeded the fondest expectations and that there was now no question but that it would grow to sturdy and useful manhood.
In conversations which members of my staff had with some of the Soviet officials the Second Front was brought up not with an attitude of accusation toward America and Britain as has so often happened [Page 537] in the past but rather with honest genuine concern. This fact gave me the impression that the Soviets now believe that we are doing everything in our power to open a Second Front as soon as possible and that they are anxious only that something be done to lighten the blow they expect will come in the near future.