861.24/1679a
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
Sir: Reference is made to the Department’s instructions nos. 2797 of June 11, 1943, and 2993 of August 4, 1943,29 in connection with the proposed Third Protocol between the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics covering the military supplies, raw materials, industrial equipment and food to be made available to the Soviet Union during the period July 1, 1943, to June 30, 1944.
[Page 779]There are enclosed five copies of the final draft of the United States Schedule of Supplies and Shipments.30 This document supersedes and excludes all materials sent you heretofore and is the exact text of the United States Schedule which is to appear in the Third Soviet Protocol.
You will note that the text of the covering Protocol to be signed by the four Governments is the identical text transmitted to you in the Department’s instruction no. 2797 of June 11, 1943. The text of the United States Schedule of Supplies and Shipments, however, has been modified to include all changes agreed to by the responsible American and Soviet authorities since the time the original offering was made. Copies of this document have been conveyed to the appropriate British and Canadian authorities in Washington.
You are authorized to sign the Third Soviet Protocol on behalf of this Government at the earliest possible date. Following signature of the Protocol you should transmit to the Department for its records the original official copy for the United States Government.
The Department is of the opinion that the publicity to be given the Protocol at the time of signature should be handled in London and has so informed the British authorities in Washington. In this connection it is important that the announcement should state explicitly that the date of signature has in no way affected the flow of supplies to the Soviet Union which has been continuous since the expiration of the Second Protocol on June 30, 1943. Mention might also be properly made of the fact of Canada’s participation for the first time. Prior to the release of an announcement the concurrence of all parties to the Protocol should of course be obtained. It is requested in this connection that you provide the Department with a copy of the announcement agreed upon.
Very truly yours,