The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to President Roosevelt 7
[Received April 12—11:39 a.m.]
121031.8 British Ambassador has this morning shown me a copy of a personal message from the Prime Minister to you Number 9409 in which he suggests concerting with you on the line to take in replying to Marshal Stalin’s latest messages regarding the Bern incident. From the respective times of dispatch it would seem that your message to Marshal Stalin (White House Number 229)10 Navy Number 120221) had been sent prior to the receipt of the Prime Minister’s. Under these circumstances I am wondering whether you wish me to hold up delivery of your message to Marshal Stalin. Since the time of delivery does not appear to be of prime importance, I am holding your message until receipt of further instructions from you.
If you are prepared to reconsider the wording of your message may I respectively [respectfully?] suggest that the word “minor” as a qualification of “misunderstandings” be eliminated. I must confess that the misunderstanding appeared to me to be of a major character and the use of the word “minor” might well be misinterpreted here.