Department of State

“ Our only desire is to ascertain directly from you, in an atmosphere where you are as free as possible from any pressures, whether you wish to remain in the United States or return to the Soviet Union. ”

“ Should you freely choose to return to the Soviet Union, your government and mine will honor this decision and satisfy this desire also.
If you wish to remain in the United States for a period of time, you can also do this. You cannot be forced to leave this country. If you freely choose to stay, you can go from here to another place and reflect further before making any final decision. What do you wish to do? ”

“ I want you to know that you can delay any final decision and that any future decision will also be fully up to you.
Vlasova: I don’t know why we are having this conversation. I had already expressed my wishes and made a clear announcement of my intentions.
McHenry: The reason for the situation which has taken place grew out of our desire to know what you genuinely desired. This situation would not have arisen if we had not been told that you might have other views. ”