840.50/8–2144: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)

6778. Your 6733 of August 19 and 6756 of August 21 approved subject to following modifications in text of proposed joint communication to the Soviet Government:

In paragraph no. (2), sixth sentence, it is suggested that the word “great” be deleted before “importance” and that the words “creation of a special organization of the United Nations for the” be deleted. It is felt that the language as it stands carries greater emphasis and is more specific than the Soviets might be willing to admit and that it tends to put them on the spot in a manner that might cause them to disapprove of the suggested procedure.

In paragraph no. (3), it is suggested that the last sentence read as follows: “If the Soviet Government is not prepared at this time to participate formally in the Interim Commission, it is hoped that it might consider appointing an observer to the Interim Commission until such time as it is ready to designate a full commissioner.”

The Department is instructing Harriman15 to secure text from and concert with his British colleague in presenting proposed communication as modified.

Hull
  1. Telegram 2026, August 24, 7 p.m., to Moscow, not printed.