740.00119 European War/2434

Memorandum by the Secretary of State to President Roosevelt 33

The Soviet Ambassador last night handed me the attached memorandum34 concerning the British suggestion to the Soviet Government that the principle of unconditional surrender as adopted at the Moscow Conference be abandoned in the case of Axis satellite states.

You will note that the Soviet Government appears to favor the British suggestion, but would like to have the opinion of this Government before making its final decision. In view of your decision on the British proposal as set forth in the memorandum to me of April 1, I shall inform the Soviet Ambassador that this Government does not favor at this time any modification of the principle of unconditional surrender as applied to the satellite states.

Cordell Hull
  1. Not transmitted until April 3. Notation by President Roosevelt: “CH OK FDR”.
  2. Dated March 31, p. 586.