860C.014/4–1045: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kerman)
905. Dept is considering action such as you recommend in final paragraph of urtel 1091, April 9, 9 p.m. The inquiry suggested in our telegram 791, April 4, 6 p.m. was intended primarily to clear the way for such action by putting the Soviet Government on notice as to our interest and by obtaining from Molotov a statement of the Soviet position on territories involved and of the political and legal basis, if any, alleged in justification of their reported transfer to the Warsaw Provisional Polish Government. Molotov’s reply to Clark Kerr (reported in your 1116, April 10, 9 p.m.) is rather vague and boils down to the assertion that the territories involved have been placed, provisionally or otherwise, under Polish administration as a matter of practical necessity. A reply by Molotov to your inquiry as to the precise status of the territories would still be most helpful here, and it is hoped that it will be forthcoming without undue delay.