Rare footage from the life of the US ambassador to prewar USSR

• Rare footage from the life of the US ambassador to prewar USSR

November 29, 1876 was born Joseph E. Davies, who became the second US ambassador to the USSR. Before you interesting shots from the archive of the daughter of Davis, telling about his work, everyday life the ambassador and his family, as well as showing Moscow in the last years before the war through the eyes of American diplomats.

Joseph Davis served as US Ambassador in Moscow in 1936-1938 years. His main task was to assess the strength of the Soviet army and try to find out on whose side will rise USSR in the impending war. Photo: Davis and his daughter, 1937.

Two years of Davis in the Soviet Union occurred in a period of tension in Europe - it was the time of the Spanish Civil War, the rise of Nazi Germany and the high-profile trials of "enemies of the people" in Moscow. In the photo: the US Embassy.

However, Joseph Davis universally defended Stalin and his policies. In an interview, he described Americans Stalin as a strict, fair leader who cares only about the welfare of the state and nation. In the photo (from left to right): Davis, Stalin and Molotov.

"Communism does not pose a serious threat to the United States - reported Davis Washington - friendly relations in the future can bring us huge benefits."

Later, after 2 days after Nazi Germany attacked the USSR, Davis stated that "the world will be surprised by the size of the resistance, which will Russia". He spoke in the press, on the radio, at numerous meetings, urging Americans to give up prejudices against the Soviet Union and assist the USSR. In the photo: The parade of November 7, 1937.

Diplomatic card after the daughter Emlen Knight Davies, who gave her all the diplomatic rights and privileges.

Emlen appeared in the USSR in the 20 years of age. These pictures belong to her private collection, and some of them - dropped to the girl.

Photo Emlen makes several different angle to look at the pre-war Moscow, participated in the exhibition dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Spaso House. Mansion Spaso House (pictured) is the official residence of American ambassadors in Moscow since 1933, when diplomatic relations were established between the United States and the CCCR.

View from the second floor of Spaso House.

At a ball in honor of Independence Day.

A Masked Ball at Spaso House. For a couple of years earlier, in the spring of 1935 was a ball at the residence of the American ambassador - predecessor Davis - served as Mikhail Bulgakov inspiration to describe the Great Ball at Satan in the novel "The Master and Margarita".

Butler, nicknamed "Dvuhborody", near the embassy Packard.

Portrait "Dvuhborodogo".

Central Department Store before the opening.

Ambassador Davis and his wife sent for a dinner to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Litvinov.

Emlen learning to skate.

The Ambassador and his wife at the Sparrow Hills.

Decree of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR from May 18, 1945, Joseph Davis, the only one Western diplomat in the history of the Soviet Union, was awarded the Order of Lenin with the words: "For successful activities contributing to the strengthening of friendly Soviet-American relations and contribute to the growth of mutual understanding and trust between the peoples of both countries ". Photo: Park in front of the residence.