Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, The British Commonwealth and Europe, Volume III

760C.61/2206: Telegram

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

Moscow , February 8, 1944—midnight.
[Received February 9—11:35 a.m.]

423. For the President and the Secretary only. Molotov told me at lunch today that Stalin had gone to the front. Your cable 236 February 7, 7 p.m.,⁶⁹ arrived this afternoon.

In view of the time given by Stalin’s absence, I would appreciate clarification of the meaning of the last sentence. I have been puzzling over it and do not understand the thought it is intended to convey.⁷⁰

I also respectfully make the following suggestions which it appears to me from here would strengthen the presentation of your basic concept and avoid possible misinterpretation:⁷¹

1. In the second paragraph omit the last sentence beginning “I feel that it is” and ending “for a just and lasting peace”. It seems to me that this thought is effectively and adequately expressed in the next paragraph.

2. In the third paragraph change the words “neither party shall by hasty word or unilateral act transform” to read “nothing should be done to transform”.

3. In the third paragraph omit the last sentence beginning “I feel I should” and ending “to your attention”.

If, on receipt of your reply, I find Stalin has not returned to Moscow, do you wish me to deliver the message to Molotov for forwarding to Stalin? Unless Stalin’s absence is too protracted I feel there is considerable advantage in awaiting his return in order to get his personal and immediate reaction.⁷²

Harriman

69. See footnote 65, p. 1243.
70. The President replied to Ambassador Harriman through Secretary of State Hull in telegram 269, February 9: “This means what it says: The boundaries can be talked about in the next few months, but as the Russian Armies are actually getting into Poland the immediate business is to get them the help of the Poles of all kinds.” (7600.61/2206)
71. These suggestions were approved by the President in Department’s telegram 269, February 9, to Moscow, not printed.
72. Telegram 269 instructed Ambassador Harriman to deliver the message to Molotov with the approved changes for transmission to Stalin upon his return to Moscow. The Ambassador reported in his telegram 462, February 11, that he had fulfilled these instructions (7600.61/2216).