500.CC/3–2345

Memorandum by the Acting Secretary of State to President Roosevelt

The Soviet Embassy has just informed us that the Soviet Delegation to San Francisco will be as follows:

  • A. A. Gromyko, Chairman18
    • U.S.S.R. Ambassador to the United States
  • K. V. Novicov
    • Chief of the British Department of the Soviet Foreign Office
  • S. K. Zarapkin
    • Chief of the American Section of the Foreign Office
  • A. A. Sobolev
    • Minister Counselor of the Soviet Embassy in London
  • S. A. Golunsky
    • Professor of International Law
  • Professor S. B. Krylov
    • Professor of International Law
  • Rear Admiral K. K. Rodionov
  • Lieutenant General A. F. Vasiliev

All of these with the exception of Novicov and General Vasiliev were present at the Dumbarton Oaks Proposals, but it must be pointed out that with the exception of the Ambassador this is not a high ranking delegation. There is not even a Vice Commissar of Foreign Affairs or any member of the Government of Cabinet rank.

Joseph C. Grew
  1. This information was contrary to the expectation of the Department; V. M. Molotov, People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs, was named as the likely head of the Soviet delegation in telegram 820, March 19, midnight, from Moscow (500.CC/3–1945).

    In telegram 891, March 24, 2 p.m., Ambassador Harriman stated that the British Ambassador had been informed by Molotov that he would be unable to attend the Conference as there was to be a meeting of the Supreme Soviet at the same time to consider the budget (500.CC/3–2445).

    For Prime Minister Churchill’s views on the withdrawal of Commissar Molotov from San Francisco and the relation of this action to the solution of the Polish problem and assurance of a successful conference, see telegram 925, March 27, from the British Prime Minister to President Roosevelt, vol. v, p. 185.