711.61/10–2645: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 26—7:05 p.m.]
3671. Reference my messages 3664, 3669 and 367082 reporting my conversations with Stalin, there were many impressions I received of Stalin’s attitude which it is difficult to convey fully in a telegram. In spite of a number of blunt remarks Stalin has never discussed matters in a more calm and open manner. He could not have been more friendly to me personally and when we parted he said that he had been glad to receive me not only as the American Ambassador but as a friend. It is my feeling that he wants to work things out with us but is inordinately suspicious of our every move that we are trying to put something over on him.
You may wish me to return to Washington at once to give you in conversation a clearer description of Stalin’s attitude and to discuss Stalin’s possible reaction to future moves that you may be contemplating. I have a plane in Moscow and can be in Washington in 2 days after receiving word. On the other hand you may wish to have me present to Stalin promptly specific proposals regarding Japan in which event I believe Stalin would be ready to have me come down and see him again.
- Telegrams 3664 and 3670, October 26, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively, not printed.↩