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

Moscow Embassy Files—500 Berlin Conference

No. 84
Memorandum by the First Secretary of Embassy in the Soviet Union ( Page )

secret

Moscow , June 21, 1945.

Memorandum of Conversation

Present:	The Ambassador
	Mr. Page
	Mr. Vyshinski
	Mr. Postoev

The Ambassador stated that it was earnestly desired to send the advance group of American officers and men to Berlin as soon as possible in order to make preparations for the forthcoming conference.

Mr. Vyshinski stated that he had just received the Ambassador’s letter on this subject1 and that he unfortunately had not had time to discuss the matter with the Ambassador until this moment. He wished now to hand the Ambassador a reply to his letter. A copy of this reply is attached hereto.

Mr. Vyshinski briefly reviewed the contents of the letter and stated that the reason for the postponement of the sending of the American group was due to the fact that Marshal Zhukov was in Moscow and would not return to Berlin until June 28. However, if the United States Government desired to start the preparations for the meeting in the absence of Marshal Zhukov, it of course could send its advance group whenever it so desired.

Mr. Vyshinski said that it was necessary to know as soon as possible exactly how many officers and men would make up the advance group. The Ambassador said that insofar as he was aware, the group would be comprised of 50 officers, 175 enlisted men, 50 trucks and 5 airplanes. He said that he would check again with General Deane and communicate with Mr. Vyshinski.

[Page 114]

The Ambassador made inquiries as to what arrangements the Soviet Government had in mind for the meeting. Mr. Vyshinski stated that he could not give any definite information at the present time. However, it was proposed to assign a special zone, like at the Crimean Conference, to each delegation. There would thus be three zones for the British, American and Soviet delegations. Since Berlin was completely destroyed, it had been decided to hold the conference in Babelsberg near Potsdam. The Conference itself would be held in the Crown Prince’s palace. Mr. Vyshinski continued that when the American advance party arrived it would be given further information.

(Note: After consultation with General Deane, Mr. Page telephoned Mr. Postoev and told him that the advance group and all the circumstances in connection with its travel to Berlin was fully set forth in the Ambassador’s letter to Mr. Vyshinski of June 19.2 On June 22 Mr. Page transmitted to Mr. Postoev the information contained in the Military Mission’s telegram of that date.[)]3

[Enclosure—Translation]

The Soviet Assistant Foreign Commissar ( Vyshinsky ) to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union ( Harriman )

secret

Moscow , June 21, 1945.

Dear Mr. Ambassador: Acknowledging receipt of your letter of June 20 concerning permission for the first American group to go to Berlin in connection with the preparation for the forthcoming meeting, I wish to draw your attention to the following.

In his letter addressed to Marshal Stalin of June 17,4 the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Mr. W. Churchill, stated that he intended to send its [to?] Berlin advance groups in order that they might make preparations for the British delegation in consultation with Marshal Zhukov and General Eisenhower. In this message Mr. Churchill stated that President Truman fully agreed with his proposal concerning preparatory measures for the meeting in Berlin.

Having these circumstances in mind, the Soviet Government proposed to time the meeting of the advance English and American groups with Marshal Zhukov on June 28. If President Truman and Prime Minister Churchill find that this meeting may take place in Berlin in the absence of Marshal Zhukov, there is no objection on the part of the Soviet Government to sending to Berlin your advance groups any time at the discretion of the American Government. [Page 115] These groups will be met by the Soviet Command in Berlin which will render them the necessary assistance.

With respect to the threats contained in your letter to state, in case the requested permission is not received, that the Soviet authorities did not give such permission on time, this threat is ill advised. The Soviet Government has no intentions to limit the freedom of the American press, but it considers it necessary to draw the attention of the American Government to the fact that there is a press in the Soviet Union which will be able to give a proper reply to such a type of statement in the American press.

Please accept [etc.]

A. Y. Vyshinski