033.1161/8–1544: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 16—12:52 a.m.]
3001. Reference my 2913, August 10, 9 p.m. [a.m.]. I received a reply this morning from Vyshinski to my letters regarding General Fleming’s visit. He states that postwar public works programs have not been developed in the Soviet Union, that they are only in a preliminary and exploratory stage, and that as a result of this there is unfortunately no possibility of satisfying General Fleming’s desire to acquaint himself at the present time with materials on this question.
Although this is not a refusal in so many words, I take Vyshinski’s letter to mean that the Soviet Government does not find it convenient for the General to visit the Soviet Union at this time and recommend it be so interpreted.