After a radical military turning point in 1943, all the prerequisites for convening a joint conference of the Big Three were formed. F. Roosevelt and W. Churchill have long called on the Soviet leader to hold such a meeting. The heads of the United States and Great Britain understood that the further successes of the Red Army would lead to a significant strengthening of the positions of the USSR on the world stage. The opening of a second front became not only an act of helping the allies, but also a means to maintain the influence of the United States and Great Britain. The increased authority of the USSR allowed Stalin to insist in a more rigid form on the consent of the allies with his proposals.
September 8, 1943, the Soviet leader agreed on the timing of the meeting with Churchill and Roosevelt. Stalin wanted the conference to take place in Tehran. He justified his choice by the fact that there were already representations of the leading powers in the city. Back in August, the Soviet leadership sent representatives of the state security agencies to Tehran, who were supposed to provide security at the conference. The Iranian capital was ideal forSoviet leader. Leaving Moscow, he thereby made a friendly gesture towards the Western allies, but at the same time he could return to the USSR at any time at any time. In October, a regiment of NKVD border troops was moved to Tehran, which began patrolling and guarding facilities related to the future conference.
Churchill approved Moscow's proposal. Roosevelt was against it at first, pleading urgent matters, but in early November he also agreed to Tehran. Stalin constantly mentioned that he could not leave the Soviet Union for a long time due to military necessity, so the conference should be held in a short time (November 27-30). Moreover, Stalin reserved the opportunity to leave the conference in case of any deterioration in the situation at the front.
Positions of the Allied Powers before the conference
For Stalin from the very beginning of the war, the main issue was the obligation of the allies to open a second front. Correspondence between Stalin and Churchill confirms that the Prime Minister of Great Britain invariably answered the constant requests of the head of the USSR with only vague promises. The Soviet Union suffered heavy losses. Lend-lease deliveries did not bring tangible help. The entry of the allies into the war could significantly ease the position of the Red Army, divert part of the German troops and reduce losses. Stalin understood that after the defeat of Hitler, the Western powers would want to get their "share of the pie", so they were obliged to provide real military assistance. The Soviet government already in 1943 planned to take control of European territories up to Berlin.
PositionsThe United States as a whole were similar to the plans of the Soviet leadership. Roosevelt understood the importance of opening a second front (Operation Overlord). A successful landing in France allowed the United States to occupy the western German regions, as well as to bring its warships into German, Norwegian and Danish ports. The President also expected that the capture of Berlin would be carried out exclusively by the forces of the US Army.
Churchill was negative about the possible strengthening of the military influence of the US and the USSR. He saw that Great Britain was gradually ceasing to play a leading role in world politics, yielding to the two superpowers. The Soviet Union, which was gaining military momentum, could no longer be stopped. But Churchill could still limit US influence. He sought to downplay the importance of Operation Overlord and focus on the actions of the British in Italy. A successful offensive in the Italian theater of operations allowed Great Britain to "penetrate" Central Europe, cutting off the path to the west for Soviet troops. To this end, Churchill strongly promoted the plan for the landing of allied troops in the Balkans.
Organizational issues on the eve of the conference
November 26, 1943, Stalin arrived in Tehran, the next day - Churchill and Roosevelt. On the eve of the conference, the Soviet leadership managed to make an important tactical move. The Soviet and British embassies were nearby, and the American - at a considerable distance (about one and a half kilometers). This created problems for the security of the American president duringmoving. Soviet intelligence received information about an impending assassination attempt on members of the Big Three. The preparation was led by the chief German saboteur - O. Skorzeny.
Stalin warned the American leader about a possible assassination attempt. Roosevelt agreed to settle for the duration of the conference in the Soviet embassy, which allowed Stalin to conduct bilateral negotiations without the participation of Churchill. Roosevelt was pleased and felt completely safe.
Tehran Conference: Date
The conference began its work on November 28 and officially closed on December 1, 1943. In this short period of time, several fruitful official and personal meetings took place between the heads of the allied states, as well as between the chiefs of general staffs. The Allies agreed that all negotiations would not be published, but this solemn promise was broken during the Cold War.
The Tehran conference took place in a rather unusual format. Its characteristic feature was the absence of an agenda. The meeting participants freely expressed their opinions and wishes without following strict rules. Briefly about the Tehran Conference of 1943, read on.
Question about the second front
The first meeting of the Tehran Conference of 1943 (you can learn about it briefly from the article) took place on November 28. Roosevelt delivered a report on the actions of American troops in the Pacific Ocean. The next point of the meeting was the discussion of the planned operation "Overlord". Stalin outlined the position of the Soviet Union. According to himIn my opinion, the actions of the allies in Italy are secondary and cannot have a serious impact on the overall course of the war. The main forces of the Nazis are on the Eastern Front. Therefore, landing in Northern France becomes a priority for the Allies. This operation will force the German command to withdraw part of the troops from the Eastern Front. In this case, Stalin promised to support the Allies with a new large-scale offensive by the Red Army.
Churchill was clearly opposed to Operation Overlord. Before the scheduled date for its implementation (May 1, 1944), he proposed to take Rome and carry out the landing of allied troops in southern France and the Balkans ("from the soft underbelly of Europe"). The British Prime Minister said he was not sure that preparations for Operation Overlord would be completed by the scheduled date.
Thus, at the Tehran conference, the date of which you already know, the main problem immediately emerged: the differences between the allies on the issue of opening a second front.
The second day of the conference began with a meeting of the Allied Chiefs of Staff (Generals A. Brook, J. Marshall, Marshal K. E. Voroshilov). The discussion of the problem of the second front assumed a sharper character. Marshall, a spokesman for the American General Staff, said in his speech that Operation Overlord is regarded by the United States as a top priority. But the British General Brooke insisted on stepping up action in Italy and evaded the question of the status of the "Overlord".
Between the meeting of military representatives and the next meeting of leadersUnion states, a symbolic solemn ceremony took place: the transfer of an honorary sword to the inhabitants of Stalingrad as a gift from King George VI. This ceremony defuses the tense atmosphere and reminds everyone present of the need for concerted action for a common goal.
At the second meeting, Stalin took a hard line. He directly asked the American president who was in command of Operation Overlord. Having received no answer, Stalin realized that in fact the operation had not yet been prepared at all. Churchill again began to describe the advantages of military action in Italy. According to the memoirs of the diplomat and translator V. M. Berezhkov, Stalin stood up abruptly and declared: "… we have nothing to do here. We have a lot to do at the front." Roosevelt softened the conflict situation. He recognized the justice of Stalin's indignation and promised to negotiate with Churchill on the adoption of a decision that suited everyone.
November 30 held a regular meeting of military representatives. Great Britain and the USA approved a new date for the start of Overlord - June 1, 1944. Roosevelt immediately informed Stalin about this. At the official meeting, this decision was finally approved and enshrined in the "Declaration of the Three Powers". The head of the Soviet state was completely satisfied. Foreign and Soviet observers emphasized that the decision to open a second front was a diplomatic victory for Stalin and Roosevelt over Churchill. Ultimately, this decision had a decisive influence on the entire further course of the Second World War and the post-war organization.
Japanese question
The US was extremely interested in opening military operations of the USSR against Japan. Stalin understood that at a personal meeting, Roosevelt would definitely raise this issue. His decision will determine whether the United States will support the plan for Operation Overlord. Already at the first meeting, Stalin confirmed his readiness to immediately begin military operations against Japan after the unconditional surrender of Germany. Roosevelt expected more. He asked Stalin to provide intelligence data on Japan, he wanted to use the Soviet Far Eastern airfields and ports to accommodate American bombers and warships. But Stalin rejected these proposals, confining himself only to agreeing to declare war on Japan.
In any case, Roosevelt was satisfied with Stalin's decision. The promise of the Soviet leadership played a big role in the rapprochement between the USSR and the USA during the war years.
Allied leaders acknowledged that all Japanese-occupied territories should be returned to Korea and China.
Question about Turkey, Bulgaria and the Black Sea Straits
The issue of Turkey's entry into the war against Germany worried Churchill the most. The British Prime Minister hoped that this would divert attention from Operation Overlord and allow the British to increase their influence. The Americans took a neutral position, and Stalin was strongly opposed. As a result, the decisions of the conference regarding Turkey were vague. The issue was postponed until the meeting of the representatives of the allies with Turkish President I. Inenyu.
Great Britain and the US were at war with Bulgaria. Stalin was in no hurry to declare war on Sophia. He expected that during the occupation by the Germans, Bulgaria would turn to the USSR for help, which would allow Soviet troops to enter its territory without hindrance. At the same time, Stalin promised the allies that he would declare war on Bulgaria if it attacked Turkey.
An important place was occupied by the issue of the Tehran conference on the status of the Black Sea straits. Churchill insisted that Turkey's neutral position in the war deprived her of the right to control the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles. In fact, the British Prime Minister was afraid of the spread of Soviet influence in this zone. At the conference, Stalin really raised the issue of changing the regime of the straits and stated that the USSR, despite its huge contribution to the general war, still had no way out of the Black Sea. This issue has been deferred to the future.
Questions about Yugoslavia and Finland
USSR supported the resistance movement in Yugoslavia. The Western powers were guided by the emigrant royal government of Mikhailovich. But the members of the Big Three were still able to find a common language. The Soviet leadership announced that they were sending a military mission to I. Tito, and the British promised to provide a base in Cairo to ensure communication with this mission. Thus, the Allies recognized the Yugoslav resistance movement.
For Stalin, the question of Finland was of great importance. The Finnish government had already made attempts to conclude peace with the Soviet Union, but these proposals did not suit Stalin. The Finns offered to takethe 1939 border with minor concessions. The Soviet government insisted on the recognition of the peace treaty of 1940, the immediate withdrawal of German troops from Finland, the complete demobilization of the Finnish army and compensation for the damage "at least in half the amount." Stalin also demanded the return of the port of Petsamo.
At the 1943 Tehran Conference, briefly discussed in the article, the Soviet leader softened the demands. In return for Petsamo, he refused to lease the Hanko Peninsula. This was a major concession. Churchill was confident that the Soviet government would retain control of the peninsula at all costs, which was an ideal location for a Soviet military base. Stalin's voluntary gesture made a proper impression: the allies declared that the USSR had every right to move the border with Finland to the west.
Question about the B altics and Poland
On December 1, a personal meeting between Stalin and Roosevelt took place. The American president said that he had no objection to the occupation of the territories of the B altic republics by Soviet troops. But at the same time, Roosevelt noted that the public opinion of the population of the B altic republics must be taken into account. In a written response, Stalin sharply expressed his position: "… the question … is not subject to discussion, since the B altic states are part of the USSR." Churchill and Roosevelt could only admit their powerlessness in this situation.
There was no particular disagreement regarding the future borders and status of Poland. MoreDuring the Moscow Conference, Stalin categorically refused to establish contacts with the Polish government in exile. The three leaders agreed that the future structure of Poland depended entirely on their decision. It's time for Poland to say goodbye to claims to be a great country and become a small state.
After a joint discussion, the "Tehran formula" of the British Prime Minister was adopted. The core of ethnographic Poland must lie between the Curzon Line (1939) and the Oder River. Poland included East Prussia and the province of Oppeln. This decision was based on Churchill's "three matches" proposal that the borders of the USSR, Poland and Germany were simultaneously moved to the west.
Completely unexpected for Churchill and Roosevelt was Stalin's demand for the transfer of Konigsberg to the Soviet Union. Since the end of 1941, the Soviet leadership has been hatching these plans, substantiating them by the fact that "the Russians do not have ice-free ports on the B altic Sea." Churchill did not object, but hoped that in the future he would be able to defend Koenigsberg for the Poles.
Question about France
Stalin openly expressed his negative attitude towards Vichy France. The existing government supported and acted as an ally of the Nazis, so it was obliged to suffer a well-deserved punishment. On the other hand, the Soviet leadership was ready to cooperate with the French Committee of National Liberation. Charles de Gaulle offered Stalin very ambitious plans for the joint management of post-war Europe, but they did notfound a response from the Soviet leader. The Allies did not at all consider France as a leading power with equal rights.
A special place at the conference took the discussion of the French colonial possessions. The Allies agreed that France would have to give up her colonies. At the same time, the Soviet Union continued its struggle against colonialism as a whole. Roosevelt supported Stalin, as Great Britain wanted to take over French Indochina.
The question of the post-war structure of Germany
Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt shared the idea of the obligatory dismemberment of Germany. This measure was to stop any possible attempt to revive "Prussian militarism and Nazi tyranny." Roosevelt planned the division of Germany into several independent small states. Churchill was more restrained, because the excessive fragmentation of Germany could create difficulties for the post-war economy. Stalin simply stated the need for dismemberment, but did not voice his plans.
As a result, at the Tehran Conference (year 1943) only the general principles of the post-war structure of Germany were approved. Practical measures were postponed to the future.
Other decisions of the Tehran Conference
One of the secondary issues was the discussion of the creation of an international organization that could maintain security throughout the world. The initiator of this issue was Roosevelt, who proposed his plan for the creation of such an organization. One of the points suggestedformation of the Police Committee (USSR, USA, Great Britain and China). Stalin did not object in principle, but pointed out that it was necessary to create two organizations (European and Far Eastern or European and world). Churchill was of the same opinion.
Another outcome of the Tehran Conference was the adoption of the "Declaration of the Three Great Powers on Iran". It enshrined the recognition of the independence and sovereignty of Iran. The allies confirmed that Iran provided invaluable assistance in the war and promised to provide the country with economic assistance.
Stalin's skillful tactical step was his personal visit to the Iranian Shah R. Pahlavi. The head of Iran was confused and considered this visit a great honor for himself. Stalin promised to help Iran strengthen its military forces. Thus, the Soviet Union acquired a loyal and reliable ally.
Conference results
Even foreign observers stated that the Tehran Conference was a brilliant diplomatic victory for the Soviet Union. I. Stalin showed outstanding diplomatic qualities for "pushing through" the necessary decisions. The main goal of the Soviet leader was achieved. The Allies agreed on a date for Operation Overlord.
At the conference, there has been a convergence of positions between the US and the USSR on major issues. Often Churchill found himself alone and was forced to agree with the proposals of Stalin and Roosevelt.
Stalin skillfully used the tactics of "carrot and stick". His peremptory statements (the fatethe B altic republics, the transfer of Koenigsberg, etc.), he softened with some concessions to the Western powers. This allowed Stalin to achieve favorable decisions at the Tehran conference regarding the post-war borders of the USSR. They played a huge role in history.
The result of the Tehran conference was that for the first time the general principles of the post-war world order were worked out. Great Britain recognized that the leading role is passing to the two superpowers. The United States increased its influence in Western, and the Soviet Union - in Eastern and Central Europe. It became clear that after the war, the collapse of the former colonial empires, primarily Great Britain, would occur.
Essence
What is the essence of the Tehran conference? It contained a huge ideological meaning. The conference held in 1943 confirmed that countries with different political systems and mutually exclusive ideologies are quite capable of agreeing on the most important issues. A close trusting relationship was established between the allies. Of particular importance was a clearer coordination of the conduct of hostilities and the provision of mutual assistance.
For millions of people around the world, the conference has become a symbol of the inevitable victory over the enemy. Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt set an example of how mutual differences can be easily overcome under the influence of a common mortal danger. Many historians consider the conference to be the zenith of the anti-Hitler coalition.
At the Tehran conference, briefly discussed in the article, for the first time gatheredtogether the leaders of the Big Three. Successful interaction continued in 1945 in Y alta and Potsdam. Two more conferences took place. The Potsdam, Tehran and Y alta conferences laid the foundations for the future order of the world. As a result of the agreements, the UN was created, which, even in the conditions of the Cold War, to some extent sought to maintain peace on the planet.
