File No. 861.51/239
The Ambassador in Russia (Francis) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 6, 9.10 p.m.]
1947. Also for Secretary of the Treasury:
Received from Foreign Office note asking my recommendation that the Government of the United States compensate England: “For Russian orders placed in America through the mediation of Morgan and which [amount?] to $165,000,000.” Note signed by Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and states: “Russian Ministry of Finance asks me to earnestly pray you for assistance for a favorable conclusion of the above.” Minister of Finance said nothing about this in three hours’ conference evening of 1st, nor could he give me amount paid to England for such ordnance out of advances made by us. Director of Credit Chancellery who conferred with me at Embassy one hour yesterday in reply to such inquiry said amount so paid not large. This note somewhat surprising. Have unsuccessfully endeavored four days to see Minister for Foreign Affairs but appears he otherwise occupied as rumors are current that difference between him and Minister of War concerning Skobelev instructions [Page 28] for Paris conference, which Minister of War supports, will necessitate resignation of one or the other.1 Can you advise why this requested?
- Cf. vol. i, pp. 211 and 219.↩