861.01B11/11–2444
The Embassy of the Soviet Union to the Department of State
Aide-Mémoire
On the 6th of May, 1944, the Soviet Government through its Ambassador in Washington, A. A. Gromyko, requested the Government of the United States to turn over to the Soviet authorities a former receiver of the Soviet Government Purchasing Commission in the U. S. A., V. A. Kravchenko, who being on active military service in [Page 1236] the Red Army and temporarily in the United States on a service mission, deserted in April of this year, thereby violating his oath, the military laws of the U. S. S. R., and his military duty.
In approaching the Government of the United States in due course with such a request, the Soviet Government was sure that it would meet with full understanding on the part of the American Government since desertion under war conditions is particularly insupportable. However, the decision of this question has been delayed.
The Soviet Government considers it necessary to reaffirm the request outlined in the aide-mémoire of May 6, 1944, handed by the Ambassador of the U. S. S. R., A. A. Gromyko, to the Secretary of State, Mr. Hull.
The Soviet Government hopes to receive a quick and favorable answer.