The Moscow Conference of Foreign Ministers - October 19, 1943

On October 19, 1943, the Moscow Conference of Foreign Ministers commenced, marking a pivotal moment in World War II as the Allied powers convened to discuss post-war plans and strategies. This conference was held in Moscow and involved the foreign ministers of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union. The key figures in attendance were Cordell Hull from the United States, Anthony Eden from the United Kingdom, and Vyacheslav Molotov from the Soviet Union.

Context Leading Up to the Conference

By 1943, the tide of World War II was turning in favor of the Allies. The Axis powers were experiencing significant setbacks, and the Allies were beginning to consider the post-war order. The Moscow Conference was part of a series of high-level meetings aimed at coordinating military strategy and discussing the political future of Europe and other regions affected by the war.

Key Objectives and Discussions

The primary objectives of the Moscow Conference were to:

1. Coordinate Military Strategies: The Allies sought to enhance their military cooperation to ensure the defeat of the Axis powers. This included discussions on opening a second front in Europe, which would eventually lead to the D-Day invasion in 1944.

2. Post-War Reconstruction and Order: The conference aimed to lay the groundwork for the post-war reconstruction of Europe and the establishment of a new international order. This included discussions on the future of Germany and the territories liberated from Axis control.

3. Establishing International Organizations: One of the significant outcomes was the agreement to establish an international organization to maintain peace and security, which would eventually lead to the creation of the United Nations.

4. Declaration of Four Nations on General Security: The conference resulted in the Declaration of Four Nations on General Security, which was a commitment by the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and China to continue their cooperation after the war to ensure global peace and security.

Outcomes and Historical Significance

The Moscow Conference of Foreign Ministers was a crucial step in solidifying the Allied partnership and setting the stage for the post-war world. It demonstrated the willingness of the major Allied powers to collaborate not only to win the war but also to shape the peace that would follow. The agreements reached at the conference laid the foundation for future diplomatic efforts, including the Tehran Conference later in 1943 and the eventual establishment of the United Nations in 1945.

The conference also highlighted the complexities of Allied relations, as each nation had its own interests and visions for the post-war world. Despite these differences, the Moscow Conference was a testament to the power of diplomacy in addressing global challenges and fostering international cooperation.