740.00119 Council/12–945: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 9—9:01 a.m.]
4108. Molotov has been informed by me in a letter of contents of your 2477, December 8, noon, regarding agenda.
He may inquire what countries you intended to cover by the phrase “all independent states”. I assume that this could be interpreted to include the ex-satellite and liberated countries in Europe as well as Iran, The Lebanon, Syria, Iceland and Siam but to exclude Indo-China, the Dutch East Indies, etc. But it would be helpful in the event Molotov raises this question with me to have information to tell him informally what you have in mind.78
- The Secretary replied in telegram 2480, December 9, as follows: “Your views as to the scope of the phrase ‘independent states’ is substantially correct but I think it best for you to appear to be speaking without direct instructions. I do not wish to open up the question of bases or colonies but intend to press generally for the earliest practicable demobilization of allied armies in ex-satellite and liberated states.” (740.00119 Council/12–945)↩