861.24/1707: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 17—1:50 a.m.]
1964. Personal for the Under Secretary. Reference Embassy’s 1677, October 22;46 1880, November 9, and 1934, November 13. I hope you will review the above telegrams referring to the question of aid to the Soviet Union during reconstruction, together with Nelson’s discussions.
I am not sure I have made it clear that this question of reconstruction is considered by the Soviet Government as, next to the war, the most important political as well as economic problem that confronts [Page 789] them. Our participation in reconstruction is an important and integral part of our diplomatic dealings with them and it is therefore in my judgment essential that the negotiations be handled under the direction of those dealing with our overall relations with the Soviet Union and not be a new independent agency or group. I would appreciate your giving me the benefit of any preliminary ideas that are being developed on this subject.
- Not printed.↩