711.61/2–549: Telegram

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

secret

us urgent

441. Personal for the Secretary from Douglas. ReEmbtel 420, February 4.1 Yesterday Bevin2 told me Kingsbury Smith had sent Attlee3 a telegram dated February 3 asking certain questions re Stalin questionnaires, and today he gave me text:

“Great interest has been aroused throughout world by answers Generalissimo Stalin to my two questionnaires and American Government’s reply to Stalin. In conviction Your Excellency would wish take advantage every possible opportunity promote lasting peace and genuine understanding between Russia and West, I am taking liberty submitting following questions. First, do you approve Secretary of State Acheson’s statement that Government United States would not discuss with any nation any matter which of direct interest to other nations, without participation of representatives those other nations. Second, do you believe Great Britain and France should participate any meeting which President Truman might have with Generalissimo Stalin. Third, do you think four-power meeting chiefs state of United States, Russia, Britain, France, would serve useful purpose at this time or would such conference be premature in your opinion. Fourth, if meeting were held either between Truman, Stalin, or on four-power basis, do you believe it should be held on neutral territory. Fifth, what measures do you believe government USSR could take to convince [Page 567] Western world of sincerity Stalin’s apparent desire for understanding with United States. Sixth, what other comment would you care make on Stalin’s statements and American Government’s reply which would help clarify world public opinion on significance this development. Most respectfully, Kingsbury Smith, European General Manager, International News Service. Address Internews, Paris.”

Following is Attlee’s reply which was sent by mail:

“I have received your telegram, but I regret that I must inform you that it is not the practice of His Majesty’s Government to conduct their foreign relations by the methods you suggest.”

As this exchange may not be published, please limit distribution.4

Douglas
  1. Not printed.
  2. Ernest Bevin was British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
  3. Clement R. Attlee was the British Prime Minister.
  4. A copy of this telegram was sent to the White House.