From high hopes to deadlock, a study in expressions at the 'Big Five' conference M Molotov, left, and Mr Bevin joining in a toast at a reception. The conference opened on September 11th. ?004 Topfoto Molotov, Vyacheslav Mikhailovich (orig. Vyacheslav Skriabin) Russian Soviet Communist politician; premier of Soviet Union 1930-1941; Soviet foreign minister 1939-1949, 1953-1956 _1890-1986 Bevin, Ernest British labor leader and politician; British foreign secretary 1945-1951; helped found NATO 1949 _1881-1951