Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, General: Economic and Social Matters, Volume II

500C.115 28th Conference/41: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman)

Washington, January 15, 1944—5 p.m.

87. In connection with the participation of the Soviet Government in the forthcoming Conference of the ILO, reference is made particularly to Embassy’s 2345 [2347] of December 28,²⁹ and 47 of January 7.³⁰

In view of the fact that the Embassy has apparently not taken up directly with Molotov the desire of this Government that the Soviet Government participate in the ILO Conference, it is suggested that this action be taken at once, unless the Embassy perceives reasons for not so doing, other than the fact the ILO has now approached the Soviet Government directly.

It might be called to Molotov’s attention: that this Government first expressed its views to the Soviet Government in September (Department’s 906, September 25), when it was a matter of making preliminary arrangements for an ILO Conference and at that time expressed the very earnest desire of this Government that the U.S.S.R. actively participate in such a Conference; that early in November (Department’s 1107, October 27, 1144, October 31, and Embassy’s 1822, November 3³¹) the Soviet Government was informed of the items this Government intended to propose for the agenda; that the latter part of November (Embassy’s 2064, November 27³²) this Government again expressed its interest in participation by the Soviet Government; and that on numerous occasions the matter has been called to the attention of the Foreign Office³³ (Embassy’s 2345 [2347], December 28).

Confidential for the Ambassador

Conversations with a representative of the ILO suggest that if the Soviet Government participates in the Conference, the ILO does not intend to raise the question of whether the Soviet Government has ever been disaffiliated with the ILO.

Hull

29. Not printed; Ambassador Harriman reported that the Soviet Foreign Office had not replied to the numerous inquiries regarding Soviet participation in the proposed ILO Conference. He proposed to speak to Mr. Molotov (People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs) about it at the next opportunity (500C.115 28th Conference/38).
30. Not printed.
31. Telegrams 1144 and 1822 not printed.
32. Not printed.
33. In telegram 238, January 25, 9 a.m., Ambassador Harriman reported that he had taken up with Mr. Molotov the continued desire of the United States Government that the Soviet Government participate in the forthcoming Conference (500C.115 28th Conference/43).