740.0011 European War 1939/586: Telegram

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

632. My telegram No. 594, September 23, noon.31 I am informed in the strictest confidence that the line of demarcation between the Russian Soviet and German armies is temporary and that the future frontiers of the Polish state have already been agreed upon in principle between Germany and the Soviet Union. My informant states that the line of military demarcation was agreed upon in principle well in advance of its final establishment and that the only discussion between the Soviet and German Governments arose from the fact that the German Government desired a straight north and south line running through Warsaw, whereas the Soviet Government preferred that throughout its length the line follows the course of the rivers. Although Ribbentrop’s instructions are not known my informant anticipates that in addition to agreeing finally upon the exact frontiers of the future Polish state questions relating to the Balkans and the Black Sea area and even those relating to the Far East will be discussed. My informant was categorical in his denial of the existence of any friction between the Soviet and German Governments and stated that on the contrary the Russians have thus far been completely loyal in their cooperation.

Steinhardt
  1. Not printed.