  We investigate the structure of a field around the position of V838 Mon as
seen in the lowest CO rotational transitions. We also measure and analyse
emission in the same lines at the position of V838 Mon.Observations have
primarily been done in the CO J = 2-1 and J = 3-2 lines using the KOSMA
telescope. A field of 3.4 squared degrees has been mapped in the on-the-fly
mode in these transitions. Longer integration spectra in the on-off mode have
been obtained to study the emission at the position of V838 Mon. Selected
positions in the field have also been observed in the CO J = 1-0 transition
using the Delingha telescope.In the observed field we have identified many
molecular clouds. They can be divided into two groups from the point of view of
their observed radial velocities. One, having V(LSR) in the range 18-32 km/s,
can be identified with the Perseus Galactic arm. The other one, having V(LSR)
between 44-57 km/s, probably belongs to the Norma-Cygnus arm. The radial
velocity of V838 Mon is within the second range but the object does not seem to
be related to any of the observed clouds. We did not find any molecular buble
of a 1 degree dimension around the position of V838 Mon claimed in van Loon et
al. An emission has been detected at the position of the object in the CO J =
2-1 and J = 3-2 transitions. The emission is very narrow (FWHM ~ 1.2 km/s) and
at V(LSR) = 53.3 km/s. Our analysis of the data suggests that the emission is
probably extended.
