Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1943, The British Commonwealth, Eastern Europe, the Far East, Volume III

811.24/1850a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)

Washington, July 28, 1943—2 p.m.

4523. For the Ambassador from Secretary Morgenthau:

“Referring to my cable no. 4206 of July 10, 1943⁹⁶ I am disappointed that I have not yet had a reply from you. I would appreciate your personally seeing the Chancellor of the Exchequer at your earliest convenience and informing him that I would like a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the question whether or not they will supply us with between $200 and $300 million of raw materials during the coming year in the form of lend-lease in reverse.”

From the Secretary

The British Embassy informs us that an early reply is expected and seems to believe that it will be favorable. I should like tomorrow a report on the situation and unless a favorable reply appears to be imminent agree that you should stress the importance of early action. The manner of presentation is left to your discretion, it not being desired to prejudice a favorable answer by demanding an immediate one.⁹⁷

Hull

96. See footnote 84, p. 60.
97. Marginal notation reads: “(I read this addendum to Secretary Morgenthau over the telephone and got his approval of it.)—D[ean] A[cheson]”.