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Yes, Stalin replaced Maxim Litvinov, the Foreign Minister, with Vyacheslav Molotov on May 3, 1939, and this was seen as a move to appease Nazi Germany and signal a willingness to engage in non-aggression talks, though not necessarily an alliance.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

The Context:

In the late 1930s, the Soviet Union, under Stalin, was navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, including the rise of Nazi Germany and the growing threat of war.

Litvinov's Position:

Litvinov was known for his strong stance against Nazi Germany and his support for collective security through the League of Nations, which was seen as a pro-Western approach.

Stalin's Shift:

Stalin began to distance himself from Litvinov's policies and publicly stated that there was no hindrance to cooperation between states with differing ideologies, hinting at a potential shift towards a more pragmatic approach, even with Nazi Germany.

The Replacement:

On May 3, 1939, Stalin replaced Litvinov with Molotov, who was known for his pro-German leanings.

Appeasing Nazi Germany:

The sudden replacement of Litvinov was interpreted by some as a move to appease Nazi Germany and signal a willingness to engage in non-aggression talks, as evidenced by the German Charge d'Affaires' telegram from Moscow.

Purge of the Ministry:

Following Litvinov's dismissal, Stalin reportedly directed Molotov to "purge the ministry of Jews" to further signal Nazi Germany that the USSR was ready for non-aggression talks.

The Nazi-Soviet Pact:

In August 1939, the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression treaty that shocked the world and paved the way for the invasion of Poland and the start of World War II.

Aftermath:

While Stalin continued to respect Litvinov, he was given little official Soviet recognition after the Nazi-Soviet Pact.