In an introduction to a 1992 paper, Geoffrey Roberts writes: "Perhaps the only thing that can be salvaged from the wreckage of the orthodox interpretation of Litvinov's dismissal is some notion that, by appointing Molotov foreign minister, Stalin was preparing for the contingency of a possible deal with Hitler.
I forordet til en artikel fra 1992 skrev Geoffrey Roberts: "Måske er den eneste vragrest fra den forliste ortodokse tolkning af Litvinovs fyring en opfattelse af, at da Stalin udnævnte Molotov til udenrigsminister, åbnede han døren for en mulig aftale med Hitler.