861.51/2662½
President Roosevelt to the Assistant Secretary of State (Moore)
Dear Walton: I see no reason why you should not go ahead with the general suggestions in your letter and try to bring the Russian matter to a conclusion. I do not think the coming election presents a valid reason for delay and I am inclined to think that an honorable settlement between us and Russia would help rather than hurt. At all times it should be made very clear, of course, that the credits we extend will result in immediate orders for American goods and thus put American workmen to work.
As a matter of fact, even if we resume the conversations with Troyanovsky, the chances are that no final agreement would be made for a good many weeks.
Always sincerely,