Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, The Far East, Volume V

870.00/48

The Acting Secretary of State to President Roosevelt

Washington, June 10, 1944.

My Dear Mr. President: I am returning herewith Mr. Churchill’s telegram no. 687 of May 31 concerning the proposed agreement between the British and Soviet Governments regarding Rumania and Greece, together with a draft reply.⁷⁵

This same matter was discussed with the Secretary by the British Ambassador on May 30, and the Department had prepared a memorandum to be handed to Lord Halifax setting forth our position.⁷⁶

In view of Mr. Churchill’s telegram to you, the memorandum, a copy of which is also enclosed, has not yet been delivered, and I shall be grateful if you will inform me whether it is in accordance with your views.

You will of course note at once the serious political implications of the British proposal, and its pertinence to the whole question of joint participation and joint responsibility of all the Allied Governments in the conduct of the war. However adroitly the proposed arrangement is presented, it seems really to amount to the establishment of spheres of influence, and an attempt to obtain American approval of such a policy.

Faithfully yours,

E. R. Stettinius, Jr.

75. The draft was approved by President Roosevelt and was sent to Prime Minister Churchill as telegram No. 557, infra.
76. Memorandum of June 12, p. 119.