740.00119 PW/8–2745: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 27—9:30 a.m.]
3069. Reference Embassy’s 3061, August 25. Have just received letter from Vyshinski referring to communication which I sent to him [Page 695] Saturday night on subject of amendment to General Order Number 1 to provide for Russians accepting Jap surrender on Kuriles. Vyshinski states that my letter “of course” answers the question raised in Molotov’s message which I was asked to transmit to you. Vyshinski also requests me to inform you on Molotov’s behalf that the Soviet Government has no observations to make with respect to the text of your declaration concerning China.
It was therefore unnecessary to use the authorization contained in Dept’s 1916, August 26, 1 p.m. I believe I have the explanation of this odd incident which I will describe in a subsequent message.