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

Leahy Papers: Telegram

No. 79
The President’s Chief of Staff (Leahy) to the President ¹

top secret

[Washington,] 20 June 1945.

At the joint request of General Marshall and Mr. Hopkins I have today sent the following to Harriman:²

“The President has in mind bringing his American Chiefs of Staff with him to Berlin. Please ascertain Stalin’s reaction to having the Chiefs of Staff come with the President, you Harriman having in mind the possible Japanese reaction.

Early information on this question is desired.”

Both Marshall and Hopkins doubt the advisability and see no necessity of a staff meeting in Germany at this time and fear that Stalin would not like it.

1. Then at Olympia, Washington.
2. As telegram No. 300.