861.48/746: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Russia ( Poole )
467. Referring Embassy’s 760, January 18, 8 p.m. Figures quoted as having been expended are furnished by British from London and we understand are for the entire North Russian Relief. While we understand the necessity for continued circulation of currency in your locality, receipts from the sale of these relief supplies should not be credited against expenses of American army of occupation as War Trade Board is responsible to President for original allotment and receipts from sale of materials purchased from it. War Department has been requested to advise plan for financing American expeditionary army at Archangel and also advised of responsibility of the Board for disbursement of this five million. Doubt has been expressed as to advisability of using the present allotment as a revolving fund for the reason that it was given by President from appropriation for national security and defense and we might [Page 613] possibly be criticised for using this as peace-time measure. We are, however, suggesting to McCormick 14 the advisability of continuing this work and that money appropriated be replaced out of Hoover’s15 funds and this work continued by present committee under Hoover’s direction and as part of his relief program. Upon receipt of approval or disapproval of this suggestion you will be advised, but until you are advised of this, receipts from this fund should be held available for return if it is so desired. This has been repeated to London.