500.CC/4–1845
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State
| Participants: | Ambassador Gromyko |
| Mr. Hiss | |
| Mr. Raynor | |
| Mr. Bohlen | |
| Mr. Thompson | |
| Mr. Stettinius |
The Soviet Ambassador called upon me this afternoon at his request, He stated that he had just been through the Blair-Lee House, had found it most attractive and that the only change he would suggest was that an office be made in a room adjoining Mr. Molotov’s bedroom for his convenience.
[Page 353]He then, stated that he had instructions from his Government to take up three items:
- 1.
- That it was impossible for his Government to agree on the names of Commissions and Committees at the San Francisco Conference as proposed by our Government because of the failure to reach agreement on the Chairmanship of these Committees and Commissions and agreement on the matter of the participation of Ukraine and Byelorussia (White Russia).
- 2.
- That originally it had been proposed by the United States Government that no observers be admitted at the San Francisco Conference who were not members of the United Nations; that this decision, his Government feels, covers the question of the nationality of representation from the other international organizations who have in their groups members who are not citizens of the United Nations attending the Conference. He mentioned in particular Mr. Lester, an Irishman of Aragon, who was on the United Nations list.
- 3.
- The Ambassador stated that it was the desire of his Government that this Government and the other sponsors agree that no proposals be accepted by any individuals; that only proposals for amendment to the Dumbarton Oaks Proposals be accepted from individual members of the Delegation. To clarify the matter, I said you mean that if Mexico has an amendment to offer, they are to offer it through their Delegation and you think it not proper to hear from a member of the Delegation as you might not be sure that he was speaking for the Delegation. He said that covered it precisely. I said the United States was in full agreement with that position.
I asked the Ambassador when he expects Mr. Molotov to arrive. He stated he knew less than I did and he would appreciate being kept informed. I said that we would keep him informed and that Mr. Thompson would undertake the responsibility of advising the Embassy in advance of the arrival time and place of arrival in order that the Ambassador and members of the staff who might wish to do so might meet Mr. Molotov.