Office of the Historian

840.70/10–2744: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman)

Washington, October 28, 1944—midnight.

9033. For EITO Delegation, reEmbs 9258, October 27, 1944, 5 p.m. On receipt of “agreed statement of the issues on all points of difference”, Department will give consideration to the position it should adopt.

Department recognizes far-reaching consequences of position it may take towards the Soviets and the continental powers at the EITO Conference, and therefore requests your considered opinions, and the basis for such views, on the following questions:

(1)
What is the position of each of the continental countries?
(a)
Are they strongly in favor of vesting EITO with authority in line with draft agreement?
(b)
Will the Czechs continue to support vesting EITO with authority?
(c)
What support may be expected from the Yugoslavs for a strong EITO?
(2)
To what extent will the British stand firm on present position if backed by the Continentals?
(3)
What is the prevailing view among British and Continental Delegations as to the ability of EITO to function with any effectiveness under Soviet concept?
(4)
If the continental powers and the British are not prepared to stand firm for an EITO with authority, is it possible that the British and the Western European powers might wish to establish an authoritative organization confined to Western European countries? Could the British reconcile the establishment of such an organization with their interests in the Balkans?

You will recognize in the foregoing that, in accordance with the position you have taken at the Conference, this Government would not wish to be placed in the position of being the spearhead of a minority or of being the lone opposition to the Soviet point of view.

Stettinius