Daily Meetings Held

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24624, 21 July 1945, Page 7

Daily Meetings Held

BALKANS MAY BE DISCUSSED (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON. July 19. It is officially announced that the Big Three are meeting regularly with an agenda prepared at 11 a.m. daily by the three Foreign Secretaries. As was anticipated, there has been a lack of “hard” news from Potsdam. There is, however, a spate of rumours and speculation. The chief £>i these are concerned with Japanese peace feelers and surrender offers, Russia’s entry into the war, and the relaxation of the unconditional surrender formula in Japan’s case. It is felt that Russia’s attitude may be considerably influenced by Mr Stalin’s recent talks with the Chinese Prime Minister (Dr. T. V. Soong), but it is regarded as unlikely that Britain or the United States will make a direct request ,at the Potsdam conference for Russia to declare war against Japan. . , _ Another rumour is that Marshal Bros has arrived at Potsdam, but this Ifi also unconfirmed. The presence of Field-Marshal Alexander suggests, however, that the Balkans and the Mediterranean area will be discussed. Dr. Soong, incidentally, has arrived in Chungking, where the People’s Political Council is in session. It is noted with interest that the Russian Ambassador to Chungking returned with Dr. Soong, and it is assumed that they will continue to work on whatever foundations were laid in the Moscow discussions, at which Manchuria is believed to hsve been one of the most important and delicate problems considered. , Truman Gives Dinner Party t President Truman gave a State dinner at the temporary “White House for Mr Churchill and Mr Stalin, and five other representatives of each Government. Among the British representatives were Mr C. R. Attlee (leader of the Labour Party) and Sir Alexander Cadogan (Permanent Under-Secre-tary for Foreign Affairs). Mr Eden was unable to attend, as he was indisposed. Mr Churchill wore the uniform of Warden of the Cinque Ports, an office going beck to the days of the Norman Conquest, when the ports of the south coast of England banded together to resist invasion. . The American guests included Admiral W. D. Leahy (the Presidents Chief of Staff). Mr Averell Harrlman (United States Ambassador to Moscow), Mr James Byrnes (Secretary « State), and Mr Joseph Dsvis (Mr Truman’s personal adviser). Mr Stalin was accompanied by ms Foreign Commissar (Mr Molotov) . and the Russian Ambassador to Washington (Mr Gromyko).