Cable No.3341 from Stalin to Molotov, Beria, Malenkov and Mikoyan

STRICTLY SECRET

Reproduction prohibited

sent to: Cdes. Molotov, Beria, Mikoyan, Malenkov, and [entered by hand:] the third unit

CABLE

from SOCHI sent at 0140 18 October 1945 to the VKP(b) CC

for decipherment at 18 October 1945 0155 Incoming Nº 3341/sh

Personal. Secret.

MOSCOW, VKP(b) CC, to Cdes. MOLOTOV, BERIA, MALENKOV, and MIKOYAN

In view of the desire you have expressed I do not object to receiving Harriman in Sochi with the purpose of hearing his comments and Truman’s message. If during the conversation with Harriman it becomes clear that he is not limiting himself to his comments and is seeking a resolution of a question, I will reply that, being on vacation, I cannot make any decision without the participation of a special representative of the government. In this event I will call Molotov and we will make a decision together which will be either positive, if the decision is favorable to us, or negative, if it is not favorable.

In connection with what was presented pass to Harriman in my name that “I will receive him with pleasure in the city of Sochi, where I am spending my vacation, and am ready to hear his comments on the message of President Truman”.

The day of the reception [can be] the 24^th, 25^th, or 26^th of the month, at Harriman’s choosing.

STALIN

Deciphered on 18 October 1945 at 0215. Eight copies printed.  Novoselova, Chumicheva

[the handwritten original follows, signed “Stalin. Sochi, 18 October, [0]015”]