894.30/10–1845: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 18—2:45 p.m.]
3594. ReDept 2175, October 17. I took the occasion of my call on Molotov today to hand him your personal message regarding sinking of the Japanese Fleet.
Molotov, after reading your message, stated that he would have to study it and consult with his naval authorities before making a reply. He inquired whether it was a question of sinking the entire fleet, both surface and submarine. I told him that I had no further information other than that contained in your message, which I interpreted to indicate the entire fleet. He asked whether I had any information as to the number, character and condition of the Japanese Fleet in addition to what I had given Stalin47 in August. He referred to an estimate which the Navy Dept had sent me on August 31 for transmission to Stalin at his request. I explained that I had no further information [Page 995] but that his naval authorities might have received later information through the Soviet representatives in Japan.
- Marshal Iosif Vissarionovich Stalin, Chairman of the Council of Commissars (Premier) of the Soviet Union.↩