Developments of the last twenty-four hours are practically all
recorded in Dominions Office cable [1] and press. Molotov [2] met
the Ambassadors' representations as to the Soviet-German agreement
extremely unsatisfactorily accusing the British and French of lack
of sincerity and refused information as to whether agreement would
contain a clause determining the agreement in the event of
aggression against a third party. Appears clear that the Soviet-
German agreement not yet finalised but Berlin press reports
anticipate it will be in forty-eight hours.

Both the United Kingdom and French Ambassadors in close touch with
Beck [3] on the question of negotiations.

Hitler's [4] reception of the United Kingdom Ambassador frigid and
Henderson now awaits written reply. Move by Hitler anticipated as
soon as the Soviet-German agreement is signed.

Doubtful whether move will take the form of action of character
which would leave the possibility of negotiation open or of so
drastic a character as to preclude such a possibility.

In the latter event the effects of assistance by France and the
United Kingdom to Poland so limited I have been urging on the
United Kingdom Government the possibility of exploring every
avenue to keep the door to negotiation open. I think a cable from
you to the Prime Minister [5] stressing this would be of great
value, particularly in view of your declaration today [6] which
has greatly weighed here.

BRUCE