Memorandum from Secretary of State Edward Stettinius to President Harry S. Truman

THE SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON April 23, 1945 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT 1. We consider that the proposals contained in our joint message are eminently fair and reasonable and go as far as we can to meet the desires of the Soviet Government, as expressed in Marshal Stalin's message of April 7th. 2. You must understand that the United States cannot agree to be a party to the formation of a Polish Government which is not representative of the democratic elements of the Polish people. 3. The United States Government has been deeply dis- appointed that the Soviet Government has not found it possible to carry out the consultation with a representative group of Polish leaders other than those now officials of the Provisional functioning in Warsaw. with other Government weakers 4. The United States Government A is determined to United Action proceed with the plans for the World Organization, no matter what difficulties or differences may arise in regard to other matters with other members of the United Nevertheless, the failure of the three principal Allies who have borne the brunt of the War to reach a just solution of the Polish problem will cast serious doubt upon our unity of purpose in regard to post-war collaboration. 5. As President Roosevelt in his last message to Marshal Stalin on April lst pointed out, no policy in the United States, whether foreign or domestic, can succeed unless it enjoys public confidence and support. This necessarily affects both political and economic cooperation.