Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1941, General, The Soviet Union, Volume I

861.24/655: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State

Moscow, October 3, 1941—6 p.m.
[Received 7:35 p.m.]

1753. For the President from Harriman. Memorandum of understanding reached by conference has been signed by Molotov, Beaverbrook and myself. The basis of the understanding, in the words of the covering paragraph, is as follows:

“The conference (…)⁹⁹ arrived at the unanimous decision concerning the provision of supplies, which will be made available at British and United States of America centers of production (…) till the end of June 1942. Great Britain and the United States of America will give aid to the transportation (…)”

The British have reached a financial understanding with the Russians. I have explained that decision in this respect has not been made in America and that all we are undertaking to do at the present time is to allow them to buy and export from America. Following are the principal items in which we are involved:

(a) 400 aircraft a month, 200 fighters from England, 100 fighters and 100 bombers from the United States. Details of types and delivery will be worked out with Britain.

(b) 500 tanks per month, 250 from Britain, 250 from the United States.

(c) 152 anti-aircraft guns, 90-millimeter.

[(d)] 1256 anti-tank guns of which we are to supply 756 37–millimeter.

(e) 5,000 jeeps.

(f) A long list of raw materials and manufactured articles some of which have already been approved and others we have agreed to investigate on our return with hope of supplying part or all of their needs. Later cable¹ will give details of those items we recommend should have immediate attention and arrangements for shipment begin prior to our return.

There is no doubt in the minds of the British and Americans here that this conference was viewed at first with some question but the results have been accepted with undisguised enthusiasm by Stalin and all others connected with the discussions. The wholehearted teamwork of the members of the mission, the staff and the members of our Embassy have made these results possible.²

It is of the utmost importance that prompt action confirm the confidence the Russians now have in the sincerity of our aid.

The British in addition have made real sacrifices and Beaverbrook returns determined to rush deliveries of planes, tanks and raw materials.

Transportation will be an increasingly difficult problem both from Britain and United States and I recommend that we give special consideration to this subject.

It will be possible to communicate with me for some days through British Admiralty, London, but no reply possible till I reach England. [Harriman.]

Steinhardt

99. Omissions in this paragraph indicated in the original telegram.
1. Infra.
2. Ambassador Steinhardt observed in his telegram No. 1750, October 3, 1941, that the work of the missions had gone so speedily and successfully that the members were leaving on the morning of October 4, 1941 (123 Steinhardt, Laurence A./359).