Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1942, Europe, Volume III

861.24/1017: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State

London, July 29, 1942—11 p.m.
[Received July 30—1:30 a.m.]

4243. To General Burns and McCabe from Harriman. Referring your cable of July 22 to Hopkins.¹⁶

1. In view of decision to suspend for the present convoys to North Russia¹⁷ I made following proposals at meeting of Allied Supplies Executive, Mr. Eden presiding, regarding arrangements for shipping supplies to Russia under Second Protocol.

(a) That everything shipped to the Persian Gulf for Russia should so far as possible come from the United States rather than from the United Kingdom.

(b) That supplies from the United Kingdom should have priority in any future convoys to Northern Russia

(c) The only exceptions to these principles would be goods irreplaceable from United States or goods urgently required which could not immediately be delivered in sufficient quantities from the United States.

2. It was agreed that these proposals had great practical advantages. Sufficient cargo is available in United States to fill capacity of Persian Gulf route. Substantial shipping would be saved as a result of elimination of exports from United Kingdom to Persian Gulf of goods similar to those being imported from United States. British production would then be available to supply European theatre. Supplies from United Kingdom if forwarded in September convoy to North Russia will arrive at the front approximately same date as if sent via Persian Gulf.

3. Political objection was raised to acceptance of proposed principles on ground that it would give Russians impression that United Kingdom was ceasing to provide aid to Russia and therefore it was decided that proposal would be placed before War Cabinet.

4. At my request it was agreed to prepare an estimate of number of United States ships that might be convoyed to North Russia so as to permit United States to plan its production of supplies for Russia.

5. British propose to send four British ships with high priority cargo including over 100 Hurricanes to Persian Gulf immediately in next convoy. They have not received reply from Russians regarding their ability to maintain and operate these planes on Southern Front.

6. British now drawing up list of Second Protocol supplies for delivery via Persian Gulf with estimated Russian priorities on assumption principles set forth in paragraph 1 are adopted.

7. Will forward further information as available. [Harriman.]

Winant

16. No copy of this message has been found in Department files.
17. This decision had been made known to the Embassy in the Soviet Union by telegram No. 199, July 19, 1942, to Moscow (861.24/1018a).