711.94114 Supplies/18: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley) to the Secretary of State

1264. My 1142, August 23, 3 p.m.2 I received late the night of September 3 a note from Molotov dated September 2, the most important sections of which read in paraphrased translation as follows:3

“The Soviet Government has already expressed its readiness to render all possible assistance to American Government in forwarding supplies and medicines to American prisoners of war in Japan. It again confirms its readiness to render all necessary assistance not only in providing storage facilities for supplies which might arrive the Soviet Union for onward shipment to Japan but also in the transportation of these supplies. It sees no reason to fear delay on part of Soviet authorities in making arrangements connected with delivery of supplies to transfer point for onward shipment to Japan as soon as this question is settled between American and Japanese Governments. It is prepared at same time to meet the wishes of American Government and to accepting [in] Soviet warehouses, prior to the regulation of question between American and Japanese Governments, a monthly stock of supplies in the amount of 1500 tons. It is also prepared to instruct the appropriate Soviet authorities with respect to the acceptance by them for storage in Soviet warehouses of the more necessary medical supplies concerning which reference is made in Embassy’s note of July 9. Department’s 531, July 7, 6 p.m. The [Page 816] Soviet Government considers it necessary to point out that the reference to the effect that interested persons and public opinion in the United States ‘are inclined to criticize Soviet Government at what they regard as lack of readiness to cooperate in this matter’ is evidently explained by insufficient or incorrect information of sections of American public regarding actual position of Soviet Government in matter. It is clear that Soviet Government cannot assume responsibility for situation.

Furthermore Soviet Government sees no direct connection between furnishing of Lend-Lease supplies and delivery of supplies to American prisoners of war. It consequently sees no basis for statement that American Government finds it embarrassing to explain distinction in these questions in such a way as not to reflect upon cooperative spirit of Soviet Government.

With respect to American proposal to exchange notes on delivery of supplies at time of signing of Third Protocol or independently thereof, the Soviet Government does not object to the latter proposal.”

Your 77 [771], August 30, 9 p.m., was received on afternoon of September 3.

Standley
  1. Not printed, but see footnote 95, p. 813.
  2. Full translation of the note was transmitted to the Department by the Ambassador in the Soviet Union in his despatch No. 256, September 17, 1943 (not printed).