611.6131/518: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kirk)
124. Your 222, August 3, 10 p.m., and Department’s 120, August 2, 6 p.m. You should inform the Soviet authorities that this Government cannot agree with the position expressed by Weinberg to the effect that the increasing value to the Soviet Union of generalization [Page 618] by the United States cannot be regarded as a quid pro quo for a present increase in the minimum guarantee of purchases by the Soviet Union. It has been understood from the beginning that the reason for yearly negotiation of a commercial agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union is to afford an opportunity to review the trade situation between the two countries and to reappraise the value of generalization by this country.
However, if you are satisfied that there is no possibility of obtaining an increase in the limited time available, you are authorized to effect an exchange of notes renewing the present agreement in the form proposed in the Department’s 120, but without the clause referred to in the confidential section of paragraph numbered 728 unless the Soviet authorities insist upon its inclusion.