Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, The Conference of Berlin (The Potsdam Conference), 1945, Volume I

Leahy Papers: Telegram

No. 16
Prime Minister Churchill to President Truman ¹

[Extract]

top secret

London, 21 May 1945.

Prime Minister to President Truman. Personal and top secret. Number 53.

Your Number 44.²

. . . . . . . .

2. I think there is a very good chance that if our deployment is formidable, a solution may be reached [with respect to Venezia Giulia] without fighting. Our firm attitude in this matter will I believe be of value in our discussions with Stalin. It seems to me that the need for our triple meeting at the earliest moment is very great. There will probably be a general election campaign here during June, but as all parties are agreed on foreign policy it need not make any postponement necessary. Could you give me any idea of the date and place which would be suitable, so that we can make our several requests to Stalin? I have a fear he may play for time in order to remain all powerful in Europe when our forces have melted.

. . . . . . .

1. Sent by the United States Military Attaché, London, via Army channels.
2. Not printed herein. See Truman, Year of Decisions, p. 249.