811.91261/396: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 7—12:35 p.m.]
815. In conversation with Molotov on June 22nd I informed him that Mr. Sulzberger had expressed a desire to have an interview with Marshal Stalin. I explained that Sulzberger, as owner and publisher of the New York Times, was a very important and influential personage in the U.S.; that he had the support of the President in coming to Moscow and that it had occurred to me that Stalin might desire to see him. I find that through an oversight this matter was not reported to the Department at the time.8
I took Sulzberger to call on Molotov yesterday so that he might express his appreciation for the courtesies extended to him by the Soviet authorities during his visit here. He explained to Molotov that although he had come here ostensibly in his capacity as member of the Central Committee of the Red Cross nonetheless he could not divorce himself from his position as publisher of the New York Times and that in this capacity his visit had been of especially great value to him. Also in this capacity he stated that he hoped to have an opportunity before departing to see Stalin. Molotov replied that unfortunately Stalin had gone to the front and would not return for some time.
Sulzberger appears to have made a fine impression upon the Russians with whom he has been in contact and I do not believe that Stalin’s failure to see him should be taken personally. He expects to leave Moscow as soon as transportation is available.9 I will then send in a full report10 on his activities here. I may say at this time, however, that I believe that his visit has been definitely worthwhile.