Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The Far East, China, Volume VII

761.93/8–1045

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to President Truman and the Secretary of State

Moscow, 10 August 1945.

M–25257. While at Potsdam General Marshall¹⁷ and Admiral King¹⁸ told me of the proposed landings in Korea and Dairen if the Japanese gave in prior to Soviet troops occupying these areas.

Considering the way Stalin is behaving in increasing his demands on Soong I recommend that these landings be made to accept surrender of the Japanese troops at least on the Kwantung Peninsula and in Korea. I cannot see that we are under any obligation to the Soviets to respect any zone of Soviet military operation.

General Deane¹⁹ concurs.

[Harriman]

17. General of the Army George C. Marshall, Chief of Staff, U. S. Army.
18. Fleet Adm. Ernest J. King, Commander in Chief, United States Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations.
19. Maj. Gen. John R. Deane, Chief of the U. S. Military Mission in the Soviet Union.