861.24/12–1944: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman)
2856. Following is summary of note handed to Soviet Ambassador by Mr. Acheson on December 19.
[Here follows summary of note printed supra.]
In handing the note to the Ambassador, Mr. Acheson stated orally that since the policy outlined in the note applies to all countries and since we have not received a reply to our Aide-Mémoire of July 6, 1944, we felt that it would be advisable to explain formally and in full our position on this question. He added that the policy outlined in the note has no connection with the current discussions for the Fourth Protocol or the proposed 3(c) agreement. Mr. Acheson, in reply to a question by the Ambassador, suggested that we would appreciate having a written reply to this communication.
In order that there may be no misunderstanding regarding the motives in sending the note, please make available to the appropriate Soviet authorities the pertinent points of the note and give them orally an explanation similar to the oral remarks outlined above.