800.51W89 U.S.S.R./57: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Bullitt)
91. Our 84, May 18, 3 p.m. President might regard as acceptable amount named in first paragraph provided only that agreement is otherwise satisfactory in accordance with our previous despatches. But, of course, important to proceed most cautiously in giving, if at all, any such intimation.
Referring to second paragraph, amazing that a Government seeking financial assistance from us should expect our Government to divest itself of any real control of transactions and thus confine its agency, [Page 101] the Export-Import Bank, to the mere function of recording transactions and drawing checks. Litvinov’s attitude wholly inconsistent with all that was understood when he was here and from every point of view absurd.
Do you think private contracts, as, for instance, reported large sale in contemplation by General Motors, should be discouraged for the time being?
From documents submitted to Department it seems fairly certain that the propaganda pledge is being violated by activities stimulated and directed at Moscow. Will furnish you full information by mail.
President has seen this.