761.93/8–2445: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 24—7:50 a.m.]
3033. Immediately upon receipt of your message I asked to see Stalin either last night or today (reference Department’s 1892, August [Page 981] 22, 7 p.m.) If the meeting with Stalin is not arranged today I will see Molotov. I am not hopeful, however, of obtaining Molotov’s agreement since in my last conversation with him I advanced all of the reasons and arguments for the Soviet Govt to reaffirm publicly Stalin’s verbal assurances to support the open door policy. In this discussion it was clear Molotov was acting on instructions and could not deviate from them. I therefore feel we have a much better chance of obtaining such a statement if I am able to present the matter direct to Stalin.