661.1115/96a: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Wallace)

1215. Harrison6 from Emery. State Department made following announcement today:7

“Restrictions which have heretofore stood in way of trade and communication with Soviet Russia were today removed by action of State Department. Such of these restrictions however as pertain to shipment of materials susceptible of immediate use for war purposes will for present at least be maintained. Political recognition present or future of any Russian authority exercising or claiming to exercise governmental functions is neither granted nor implied by this action. It should be emphasized moreover that individuals or corporations availing themselves of present opportunity to trade with Russia will do so on their own responsibility and at their own risk. The assistance which the United States can normally extend to its citizens who engage in trade or travel in some foreign country whose government is recognized by United States cannot be looked for in present case since there is no official or representative Russian authority with which this Government can maintain those relations usually subsisting between nations.

“Action which United States is now taking in nowise constitutes a recognition of validity of industrial or commercial concessions granted by any existing Russian authority. American citizens availing themselves of the present relaxation of restrictions are warned against the risks incident to acceptance of commodities or other values, the title to which may later be brought into question.

“Situation which at present prevails relative to travel from or to Russia will be unaffected by removal of trade restrictions. Passports for Russia cannot be issued nor will any change be made in visa regulations now in force. Since it is not desirable at this time to undertake negotiations with Soviet postal authorities, Postoffice Department will be unable to accept mail from or to Soviet Russia. There has never been any parcel post convention between the United States and Russia and this mode of forwarding goods is therefore unavailable.”

Please repeat foregoing to London.

Davis
  1. Mr. Leland Harrison, Counselor of the Embassy in France.
  2. For publication in the morning newspapers, July 8.