Eisenhower Library, Eisenhower papers, Whitman file
No. 443
Prime Minister Churchill
to President Eisenhower1
private and personal
Dear Friend: In the light of our talks2 and after careful thought I thought it right to send an exploratory message to Molotov to feel the ground about the possibility of a two power Meeting. This of course committed nobody except myself. The follwing is a summary of my message.
Begins: After referring to my speech of May 11, 1953 for a top level Meeting of the Big Three,3 and to the statements I have made from time to time in the House of Commons, that if this were impossible I would seek to make a contact myself with the Soviet Government, I put the question, how would they feel about it. I should like to know this, I said, before we make any official proposal, or considered such questions as the time and place. I went on, “I should be very glad if you would let me know if you would like the idea of a friendly Meeting with no Agenda and no object but to find a reasonable way of living side by side in growing confidence, easement and prosperity. Although our Meeting, wherever held, would be simple and informal and last only a few days, it might be the prelude to a wider reunion where much might be settled. I have, however, no warrant to say this beyond my own hopes. I ask you to let me know, as soon as you can, what you and your friends think.” Ends.
- 2.
- This evening I received an answer from Molotov, which I send you
textually. I should like to know how this strikes you.
Begins: “I express my gratitude for your important message handed to me by Ambassador Hayter on the 4th July.
[Page 1037]It is with interest that the Soviet Government got acquainted with this message, the importance of which is quite clear. You may be sure that your initiative will find here favourable attitude which it fully deserves especially in the present international situation in general.
Your idea about a friendly Meeting between you and Premier G. M. Malenkov as well as the considerations expressed by you regarding the aims of such a Meeting, have met with sympathetic acknowledgement in Moscow. Mr. Anthony Eden’s participation in such a Meeting who is closely connected with the development of the relations between our countries, is, of course, accepted as quite natural. We feel that such a personal contact may serve to carrying out a broader Meeting on the highest level, if it is accepted by all the parties which are interested in easing the international tension and in strengthening peace.
I deem it necessary to express to you the general opinion of the leading political statesmen in Moscow. They have often recalled about our friendly relations during the war and about the outstanding role which you personally played in all that. Once again you have rightly reminded of this time. One may ask why during the years of war there existed between our countries the relations which had a positive significance not only for our peoples but for the destinies of the whole world, and why such relations cannot be developed in the same good direction now. As to us we are striving to this end and we are regarding your message from this point of view.” Ends.
- 3.
- We have many pleasant and enduring memories of our visit to the White House.
With my kindest regards.
- The source text was attached to a note from Ambassador Makins to President Eisenhower, dated July 7, which stated that he had been asked by the Prime Minister to deliver the message to the President.↩
- For documentation on the Churchill–Eisenhower conversations, held at Washington, June 25–29, see Documents 454 ff.↩
- See Document 409.↩