861.4061 Motion Pictures/78: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 23—10:55 a.m.]
224. When I saw Dekanozov27 this afternoon he stated that the Soviet Government desired to award decorations to the creators of two films that had contributed to strengthening friendly relations between the Soviet Union and the United States, namely North Star and Mission to Moscow. He asked my reaction to this proposal.
I asked his opinion of the film Battle for Russia. Dekanozov replied that he had not seen it. I thereupon explained to him that it was prepared by the War Department for education of troops and that we all considered that it has made a great contribution to an understanding of the history of the war in relation to Russia, the gallantry of the Red Army, and the Russian people. Dekanozov appeared interested in my comments and said he would see the picture.
I inquired the names of the persons on whom the Soviet Government had in mind conferring the decorations. Dekanozov replied that they have not been decided upon and that he would advise me as soon as the matter was agreed to in principle.
I told him I would cable the Department and get an answer to his inquiry. I would appreciate advice on this matter as soon as practicable.
- Vladimir Georgiyevich Dekanozov, Assistant People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs.↩