Maisky, Ivan

1884–1975

   Maisky was the Soviet ambassador to London from 1931–1943. He was well-liked by British politicians and had many close friendsamong them. He was ambassador during the sensitive period of the German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact and the fall of France, when he was able to inform STALIN of Britain’s resolve to stand firm and continue fighting alone. He had advance knowledge of HITLER’s plans to invade the USSR but Stalin did not act on his information. After this Maisky had to badger the Allies on Stalin’s orders to open a Second Front in Europe. Maisky persuaded HOPKINS to go to Moscow which resulted in a negotiated US-USSR Lend-Lease agreement. Maisky also negotiated with the various governments-in-exile in London.

   In June 1943 Maisky was recalled to Moscow and appointed a Deputy Commissar of Foreign Affairs, a position well out of the limelight. He participated in the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences and chaired the 1945 Allied Reparations Commission in Moscow.