File No. 861.51/238
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 3, 8.10 p.m.]
1946. Also for Secretary of Treasury:
Thanks for Department’s telegram 1800, October 26, 5 p.m. Understand that $50,000,000 granted Russia reduces by that amount [Page 27] request in the Department’s 17611 to which have given much thought and time conferring three hours last evening with the Minister of Finance and assistant and had two conferences with the Director of Credit Chancellery. Still think Russia will pay all obligations in time but her continuing war is of more importance to us as abandoning now would damage us so enormously that it would require untold billions and many generations to repair. Main question is whether what we lend Russia now will be appropriated by Germany. We must take the risk thereof. President of the Ministry (or Council of Ministers) in an interview given Associated Press manifests impatience that British Fleet not assisting Russia in Baltic and says Allies should help Russia who bore brunt of war in beginning and has fought without aid while England and America helping France. Consequently think should extend additional $100,000,000 credit. Russia tired, peace sentiment growing, and our failure to agree might give irresistible impetus thereto. If Soviet should control, government would not survive long but would be succeeded by stronger government which would be more potential in restoring order and prosecuting war. …