Moscow Embassy Files, Lot 53: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
3002. For the President and the Acting Secretary, supplementing Embassy’s no. 3000, August 15, 8 p.m. For the first time since coming to Moscow I am gravely concerned by the attitude of the Soviet Government in its refusal to permit us to assist the Poles in Warsaw as well as in its own policy of apparent inactivity. If Vyshinski correctly reflects the position of the Soviet Government, its refusal is based not on operational difficulties or denial that the resistance exists but on ruthless political considerations.90
The British Ambassador received shortly after our conversation with Vyshinski instructions from Eden to inform the Soviet Government that 28 British aircraft had successfully dropped some supplies in Warsaw on August 13 and that further British operations were contemplated, and to support our request for Soviet approval for a [Page 1377] daylight shuttle mission landing on Russian bases. Eden explained further that he and the Prime Minister are watching developments closely and with concern. Clark Kerr has written Molotov a letter this evening covering the above. It seems clear that when the Prime Minister and Eden receive Clark Kerr’s account of Vyshinski’s position they will take further steps.
I request instructions on what you wish me to do.
- In reporting another meeting with Vyshinsky on the next day in his telegram 3021, August 16, Ambassador Harriman declared: “This conversation reinforces my conclusion of yesterday that the Soviet Government has no present intention of attempting to drop arms to the Poles fighting in Warsaw.”↩