740.00119 Control (Italy)/34: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union ( Harriman ) to the Secretary of State

139. For the Secretary and Under Secretary.22 Molotov23 asked me to come over this evening and, among other matters, raised with me the question of representation of the Soviet Government and the French Committee on the Control Commission in Italy. He said that Eden24 had given his consent but had informed the Soviet Government that the United States had not yet reached a decision. In addition Molotov stated Vyshinski had informed him that the American member of the Advisory Council had approved in principle but had not received instructions from Washington and the decision would be delayed until February.

After some discussion of the background, Molotov asked me to cable you for information and expressed his hope that the matter could be settled promptly. He explained that two Soviet officers were in Italy ready to take up their functions.

In view of the importance that Molotov places on this matter, I hope that I may receive instructions at an early date.

Harriman
  1. Edward R. Stettinius, Jr.
  2. Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Molotov, People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union.
  3. Anthony Eden, British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.