874.00/11–2145: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 21—8:33 a.m.]
3914. ReEmb’s 3904, November 20. Although Vyshinski’s reply to my letter concerning the election in Bulgaria is firm and definite, it lacks Vyshinski’s usual belligerent tone which he uses when we are in disagreement. I am inclined to believe that this is due to the manner in which Ethridge gave Vyshinski a complete picture of what he had observed without reserve but at the same time refrained from becoming involved in argument or dispute.
Although no concrete results have come from Ethridge’s visit, I believe that the fact that he was sent to Moscow and the frankness of [Page 392] his statement may prove useful in the future in working out some adjustment of the situation.