BRITISH KKBASSY,
WASiilNOlOH D#C.
October 12th 1939.
My Lord,
With reference to «y telegram No* Ml of
October Sth, I have the honour to inform you that
dorlog a conversation to-day with tho Counsellor of
this Sttbassy, Kr* Beffat raforred to tho enquiry
which I mado of the Secretary of State regarding
tho willingness of tho United States Oovovsment*
in tho peaslble event of a rupture of diplomatie
relations betvaen Hie *ajestyfa Government and tho
Soviet Government, to undertake the representation
of British intereats in ttoaoew*
S. 3»* Koffat Informed Hr« Mallet that tho
United states Government wae -quite willing, provided
tho Soviet Government would give ite assent, to
take over British interests in tho Soviet Union
In the event of a rupture of diplomat ie relations
between Great Britain and the Soviet Union* lie
stated, however, that it was possible that the Soviet
Government would not agree to the interests of one
government in the soviet Ccioa fcotug represented by
another gowornaent. On several occasions la the past
when tho American Entoassy in Voeeoa had made enquiries
of tho Commissariat for foreign Affairs regarding
the welfare of eltizona of countries whioh had no
diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union (for
instance Holland)» it had been informed categorloally
The Sight Honourable
that/
The Vlscoftnt Halifax, K*0»,

that the Soviet Government was unwillirtg to discuss
with the Embassy natters oomrerning the protection of
citizens or interests of a third country*
Mr. Moffat also pointed out that even if the
Soviet Government should in principle assent to the
representation by the United States Government of
British interests in the Soviet Union, conditions in
that country were aueh that the Batessy would be
seriously handicapped in its effort to protect such
interests* The United States Embassy at Moscow at
the present time found it extremely difficult
effectively to protect American citizens and interests
in the Soviet Union* and it seemed likely that it would
encounter even greater difficulties in representing
the interests of another country*
I have the honour to be,
with the highest respect,
My Lord,
Tour Lordship's most obedient,
humble servant,
(ROD) LOTHIAN.