860C.51/1491a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador to the Polish Government in Exile (Biddle), at London
2291. During General Sikorski’s visit here an agreement was reached between the President and General Sikorski that this Government would give to the Polish Government 12 million dollars during the next calendar year for the purpose of financing Polish resistance in occupied Poland and Polish Intelligence Work in Europe, and if deemed desirable, to assist in organizing or equipping the freed Polish prisoners of war for further military effort.
It is planned to advance this amount, commencing with installments of 2 million dollars covering 2 months, and thereafter to advance in installments as may be agreed. Since by its nature the work is obviously highly secret it is deemed best to make the advance in London against the appropriate receipt of General Sikorski or an official properly authorized by him; and that at intervals of 30 days after each such advance report be forwarded to the Department by the Military Attaché, such report to be in such detail as he may think desirable, regard being had to the obvious difficulty of itemization and to the necessity for extreme secrecy. The degree of detail of such report is left to his discretion and conference with you for determination under the circumstances. Naturally, in the event that you and the Military Attaché should come to the conclusion that money is being diverted or wasted, you may recommend the arrangement be terminated, though this is not anticipated.
It is understood that the Polish Government desires to have actual American currency made available to it in London. If currency is available you may draw separate draft and render separate account for initial payment 2 million dollars awaiting such authorization for future payment; and if there is not, so report and arrangements will be effected to arrange transfer.