Office of the Historian

861.24/12–2841

President Roosevelt to the Secretary of War (Stimson)

Washington, December 28, 1941.

My Dear Mr. Secretary: I desire that the Soviet aid program as provided in the Protocol Agreement43 be re-established beginning January 1.

Existing deficits are to be made up and shipped from this country not later than April 1.

I realize that some amendments such as relate to anti-aircraft guns and their ammunition must be made as to times of delivery but I wish if possible when such amendments must be made you would give consideration to increasing the Protocol in other items essential to the Russians.

The whole Russian program is so vital to our interests I know that only the gravest consideration will lead you to recommend our withholding longer the munitions our Government has promised the U.S.S.R.

I wish, therefore, that all items go forward promptly after January 1, unless I authorize the specific amendment.

Very sincerely yours,

Franklin D. Roosevelt
  1. Not printed; but see telegrams No. 1753, October 3, 6 p.m., from Moscow, and No. 4823, October 10, noon, from London, and the report of W. Averell Harriman to President Roosevelt, October 29, pp. 841, 844, and 849, respectively.↩