851.01/8–1144: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman)53
1912. Please inform Molotov54 that our discussions with the French are nearing a successful conclusion and that we expect the final texts of the proposed agreements to go forward to General Eisenhower in the next few days. August 16 has been suggested as a possible [Page 728] date for signature. Copies will be handed to the Soviet Embassy here and also sent to you by next pouch.
You may inform Molotov that generally speaking the arrangements follow the pattern of the Anglo-French drafts with certain modifications intended to clarify the authority of the Supreme Allied Commander, as envisaged in the President’s draft directive of March 15,55 to take whatever action the Supreme Commander may consider necessary in order that military operations may be unimpeded. Subject to the military situation it is our objective to leave the administration of civil affairs to French authorities wherever possible. In a covering letter to General Koenig, General Eisenhower will make it clear that he is authorized to conclude these arrangements on the understanding that as soon as the military situation permits, it is the intention of the French authorities to afford the French people an opportunity to select a government of their own free choice.