840.50/9–544: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State

7238. For Berle, Hooker and Radius. With further reference to Embassy’s 7216, September 4, 1944 and Department’s instructions regarding procedure to be followed in Moscow with respect to the communication to the Allied Governments, we have discussed the matter again with the Foreign Office on the basis of the Department’s instructions. The Foreign Office proposes to substitute the telegram quoted below for the one contained in our 7216. Draft B as referred to in the telegram would include in paragraph 7 the sentence quoted in this connection in our 7216.

British feel the matter of greatest urgency is the communication to the Allies of the draft agreement with or without mention of the Interim Commission.

Foreign Office wishes if possible to send a telegram to Moscow today September 5 and we therefore hope for an immediate reply.

The proposed telegram to the British Ambassador in Moscow follows:—

“My telegram number 2701.

1.
Although Soviet Government have given no indication of their attitude, the Governments of the United Kingdom and the United States feel that they can no longer delay their approach to the European Allies.
2.
I shall therefore be glad if you will speak urgently to M. Molotov and ascertain definitely whether the Soviet Government are willing to associate themselves with the Governments of the United Kingdom and the United States in inviting the other Governments concerned to a conference; if they are so willing you should request their concurrence before September 9th in the issue of an invitation on the terms of the draft contained in my telegram No. . .
3.
In case the Soviet Government have still not made up their minds or are unwilling to join in an invitation the Governments of the United Kingdom and the United States have prepared an alternative communication to the Governments concerned (see my telegram number . .). If the Soviet Government feel unable to indicate by September 9th whether they desire to participate in the Interim Commission or whether they would agree to its establishment by the United Kingdom and the United States Governments, the Governments of the United Kingdom and the United States propose to omit paragraphs 6, 7, 8 and 9 from this communication. If by September 9th the Soviet Government had not expressed their concurrence in the reference in paragraph 4 to their attitude to the draft agreement this would also be omitted.”

Winant