800.24/1019½: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 14—8:46 p.m.]
4595. To Stettinius and Harriman. Preliminary discussions with British Treasury and War Office have been conducted by Acheson, Harriman Mission and General Purchasing Agent.
Although no official decision yet available we are satisfied from these discussions and conversations between Harriman and the Chancellor personally, that British will furnish a Government statement on cost of reciprocal aid supported by statements upon various issuing branches such as War Office, Air Ministry, Food Ministry, etc.
Issuing branches will categorize statement to fullest possible extent consistent with security following in so far as practicable our wishes in the matter. Complete itemization unobtainable.
Investigation reveals that catalogues or ready reference materials from which prices might be obtained are available for only a small percentage of items currently issued to U.S. forces and these prices are largely out of date. Therefore, any attempt to place prices on individual vouchers, either by us or the British, would involve great difficulty, and a wide margin of error.
[Page 67]Major Benno Schmidt of Clay’s95 office who left yesterday has participated in discussions. Suggest you call him. Acheson will remain here until assignments completed. Will return with Opie.
- Maj. Gen. Lucius B. Clay, Director of Materiel, U.S. Army.↩