840.70/10–3044: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:48 p.m.]
9385. Ronald this afternoon, Monday, October 30, advised Hawkins66 and Hooker of the receipt of a note signed by Koukin, Counsellor of the Soviet Embassy, to the effect that the Polish Committee of National Liberation had called the attention of the Soviet [Page 843] Government to the fact that a conference is taking place in London dealing with transport in Europe and necessarily vitally affecting Poland, at which the Polish émigré government, having no connection with the soil of Poland, purported to represent the interests of Poland; and stating the view that the committee should represent Poland at the Conference in the place of the émigré government. The note stated that the Soviet Government considered the position of the Committee well taken and, therefore, until the suggested substitution was made, could not any longer take part in the work of the Conference. It stated that a similar note was being addressed to the United States Government.67
Ronald raised the question whether informal discussions with the Soviet Delegation on the provisions of the EITO agreement might continue. The opinion was expressed that such a procedure might prejudice the position of our Government in respect of the larger issues involved in the Soviet note and that we could not participate in any further discussions with the Soviet Delegation in the absence of instructions from the Department.
Ronald raised the question whether a meeting of the Conference should be called, at which the Soviet Delegation might formally withdraw after stating its reasons. It was observed, in reply, that since the United States participated with the United Kingdom in the invitation to the Conference it was assumed that our Government would be consulted before any decision as to procedure was made, to which Ronald acceded.
If such a course were contemplated and assuming that the Soviet, Delegation would consent to attend a meeting of the Conference for such a purpose the EITO Delegation would, of course, need instructions as to its procedure. It does not appear to us, however, that suck a course would serve any useful purpose. The question, of course, remains as to whether the Conference should be suspended or recessed pending decisions on the larger issues involved or, if not, what other procedure should be adopted.
The EITO Delegation await instructions on the questions raised above and except for maintaining informal contacts with the British Delegation and such contacts with the other delegations as courtesy requires will take no further action of any kind until instructions have been received.