893.24/1564: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:21 p.m.]
217. The following telegram has been received from Kuibyshev.
“March 26, 8 p.m. For forwarding if you approve to the Department and repetition to Chungking as Kuibyshev’s 282, March 26, 8 p.m.
With reference to the information reaching the British Embassy (please see Kuibyshev’s 5, January 4, 8 p.m. [a.m.] to the effect that the American Government would be prepared to fill requisition for trucks when made by Chinese MOCT22a after conclusion of a definite [Page 602] agreement between Chinese and Soviet Governments, Chinese Ambassador stated to me yesterday that during his recent stay in Moscow he reached with Mr. Mikoyan, Foreign Trade Commissar, a firm and definite agreement substantially along the lines of our 39, January 22, 3 p.m. to Moscow.23 He said that owing to the obvious sensitiveness of the Soviet Government to Japanese reaction and of its desire to avoid the signing of any agreement on what it regards as a delicate matter, he did not insist that the arrangement be reduced to writing. He said that he remarked to Mr. Mikoyan at the conclusion of their final interview that it was gratifying to know that the two Governments could now proceed to the operation of the supply route and that Mr. Mikoyan, who had been most accommodating and helpful throughout the negotiations, expressed assent. Dooman.”