THE NATIONS: Visit to the Boss

The Western envoys had held six conferences with Vyacheslav Molotov. No progress had been made toward lifting the Berlin blockade or toward a four-power conference. This week the representatives of the U.S., Britain and France were finally admitted to a second audience with Stalin. When they emerged, at 1:40 a.m., U.S. Ambassador Walter Bedell Smith told newsmen that he expected more talks to be held. Said Smith: "We're always optimistic. We expect the best and prepare for the worst." Stalin gave his guests "tea and cakes," Smith reported.

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