Leahy Papers: Telegram
No. 86
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the President’s
Chief of Staff (Leahy)1
routine
(Personal and top secret for Admiral Leahy from Harriman.)
I asked Molotov last night to obtain Marshal Stalin[’]s reaction to the question raised in your 201603 June 202 regarding the Chiefs of Staff coming to Berlin, explaining the reason for the request.
Molotov said he would consult Marshal Stalin at once and inform me but that he felt quite sure that Stalin would have no objection.
In my talk with Vyshinski yesterday, reported in State Department cable Number 2216 June 21,3 regarding the immediate entry into Berlin of the United States advance group under General Parks, he requested information urgently as to the number and character of the President[’]s party in order that the Soviets may know what will be required in the way of accommodations.
It would be most helpful if you could give me promptly for guidance an approximate number of those who are probably coming, including the Chiefs of Staff, with the number and rank of officer[s] they will be bringing and the number of political advisors, also the estimated number of clerical staff. I realize that this can only be a first estimate subject to change.
It seems clear that Vyshinski will be directly involved in all arrangements for the meeting.
- Sent by the United States Naval Attaché, Moscow, via Navy channels.↩
- See document No. 79.↩
- Not printed. This telegram reported the conversation recorded in document No. 84.↩