800.796/10–2744: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan)
2536. Department’s 2528, October 26, 7 p.m. After most careful consideration we have come to the conclusion that as regrettable as this decision is there is nothing that this Government can do at this late date to work out any solution which would permit Soviet participation. In view of the contents of the Soviet note which attributes [Page 574] this reversal of position to a decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet it is obvious that there is little if any chance of obtaining a reconsideration on the part of the Soviet Government. We are accordingly replying to the Soviet Ambassador here expressing our deep regret at this decision of the Soviet Government and at the same time pointing out that in the invitation extended to the Soviet Government, contained in the Department’s circular telegram of September 11, 1944, and by note to the Soviet Ambassador here, it was specifically stated that the European neutral nations would be invited. In addition, it is pointed out that since the press release of the Department of State, which was published in the press here on September 12, listed by name the countries which had been invited and in its letter of acceptance of October 19, your 3992, October 19, 4 p.m., the Soviet Government made specific reference to the fact that European and Asiatic neutrals were to participate in the Conference, and [sic] it was of course assumed that the Soviet Government in accepting this invitation was fully aware of the fact that the three nations in question would be represented. The note also states that in extending the invitation to the three European neutral countries in question this Government was guided by the consideration of the impossibility of adequately discussing at an international conference matters relating to air routes and civil aviation in Europe without the participation of those countries in view of their geographic location. In conclusion, the note states that in the event the Soviet Government does not find it possible to reconsider its position in regard to the Conference, the United States Government hopes that the Soviet experts on civil aviation now in the United States be instructed to remain in order to maintain liaison for this purpose with officials of this Government and with those of the other United Nations on the subject of postwar civil aviation.
You are accordingly requested to seek an interview with Vyshinski99a and outline to him orally the position of this Government on this question as set forth in the above summary of the note to the Soviet Ambassador here. You should emphasize the reasons why this Government felt it necessary to include the three countries in question which as a result of their geographic position in Europe are essential factors in the establishment of any international civil air routes in Europe and should strongly urge that at least some members of the Soviet delegation now in the United States should remain in order to discuss, outside of the Conference, questions of civil aviation with officials of this Government and those of other Governments represented at the Conference, as may be desired.
Sent to Moscow; repeated to London.
- A. Y. Vyshinski, First Assistant People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs.↩