711.61/5–2048: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Durbrow) to the Secretary of State
951. Soviet press May 20 carried following Tass communiqué: “Tass is in position to communicate opinion leading circles USSR on [Page 873] announcement USA State Department appearing yesterday’s press notwithstanding I.V. Stalin didn’t address himself officially to Government USA with any proposal but only gave answer in letter May 17 to open letter Wallace, State Department USA considered it necessary make special press announcement regarding Stalin’s answer Wallace. State Department on one hand recognizes importance Stalin’s statements on possibility and necessity peaceful regulation undecided questions in interest general peace. On other State Department announced concrete questions enumerated in Stalin’s answer cannot serve as means bilateral discussion between USSR and USA, and that discussion these questions with participation other countries, as for example question on control atomic energy in UNO, also discussion question in Council Foreign Ministers, have given no definite results allegedly owing to stand Soviet Union. State Department’s announcement arouses surprise here. This position State Department is in full opposition to statement USA Government May 4 in which possibility bilateral talks not only wasn’t denied but on contrary was proposed as taken for granted, since in opposite event Government USA couldn’t consider it possible approach Soviet Government with statement of its willingness regulate questions of disagreement. Moreover, as well known, very difficult international questions were decided under Roosevelt Government by representatives USA, USSR and Great Britain in complete agreement and unanimity during period more than three years. Question is asked why agreed decisions by powers on new less difficult questions are now considered impossible? Is it not because present government USA has abandoned policy Roosevelt and conducts another policy? Soviet public opinion considers that existing situation is result aggressive stand taken by present government USA.”