Coll 17/36 ‘Iraq. On of Estabt. of Diplomatic relations between Iraq + U.S.S.R.’ [‎9r] (18/57)

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this issue? I replied that we were ready to settle this
question, hut I could not see that any lasting good v/ould
de. 7e from our making concessions to' them on the Baltic
question without any corresponding concessions being made by
the Soviet Government. I did not believe in a policy of
appeasement tov/ards Soviet Russia or anyone else, as 1 had
explained on a previous occasion. M. Maisky maintained that
there should be no question of appeasement. At the same time
he assumed that we did attach importance to improving
relations with the Soviet. Recently his Government had made
an agreement with Sweden about the Baltic States. Could not
we at least consider^drawing up a plan in which we would show
what we were prepared to offer to the Soviet in connexion
with the Baltic and what we hoped to receive from them in
return? If we had such__a plan, it might then be possible to
make progress. I told M. Maisky that I was prepared to
consider his suggestion and askea him whether meanv/hile he
v/ould be good enough to give me his Government’s comments on
the communication I had made to him. Clearly if the Soviet
Government were able to assure us that they intended to
pursue a policy in the Middle East similar to our own and if
they had no intention of joining with the Germans in any of
the plans so much canvassed in the press against Iran.
Iraq. and ourselves, then the atmosphere would be a belter one
in < which to consider what next step v/as possible. M. Maisky
said that he v/ould certainly report what I had said to his
Government and v/ould come and see me again when he had his
Government‘s reply.