Front Rank Soviet Diplomats Leave Allied Capitals

Northern Advocate, 23 August 1943, Page 3

Front Rank Soviet Diplomats Leave Allied Capitals

(Rec. 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 22 The Russian London and Washington diplomatic changes imply no change whatever in Russian policy of relations with her Western allies, declares Reuter's Moscow correspondent. . The recall of M. Maisky and M. Litvinov is inspired by a feeling that their experience can be utilised to greater advantage in Moscow. Tiie Moscow correspondent of the Associated Press says that the retirement of M. Litvinov and the appointment of M. Gromyko as Russian Ambassador to America is briefly and without explanation announced on the back page of newspapers where obscure diplomatic changes are usually recorded. The Associated Press adds that whether the change is coupled with the return of M. Maisky to Moscow and the appointment of M. Gusev as IVI. Maisky’s successor means a change in Russian policy remains to be seen. No indications, are given in Moscow of a new post for M. Litvinov and no immediate changes in British or American representation to Russia is foreseen in diplomatic quarters here, but Mr Clark-Kerr and Admiral Standley are both known to be considering early visits to London and Washington respectively. Relations With U.S. Diplomatic observers in London and Washington note that M. Litvinov’s recall leaves Russia unrepresented by flrst-ivnk diplomats in Washington. London or Ottawa. American commentators say that if the recall is a conscious rebuff to America by Marshal Stalin, it is not surprising in view of the steady deterioration in American and Russian relations in recent months)—a deterioration which has not been relieved by any manifestations of close- accord. Matters of international policy on which America and Russia have not seen eye to eye arc: (1) The basic difficulty over a second front. (2) Russia’s absence from the Quebec talks. (3) Moscow’s displeasure at the creation of the Allied Military Government of Occupied Territories. (4) Russia’s sponsorship of a Fraee Germany committee.

Moscow radio has announced that the Deputy Commissar for Foreign Affairs (M. Litvinov) has been relieved of his duties as Ambassador to the United States by decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of U.S.S.R., which has appointed the present Charge D’Affaires in Washington (M. A. A. Gromyko) to succeed him..