711.62114/9–944
The Ambassador of the Soviet Union (Gromyko) to the Secretary of State
Mr. Secretary: In connection with the development of military operations in Europe, Soviet citizens are falling into the hands of the Allied Command, the majority of whom were taken by force into Germany and countries occupied by her, by the German usurpers. The Soviet Government considers that all these Soviet citizens should be returned to the Soviet Union at the earliest opportunity. The Soviet Government counts on the extension of full cooperation by the American military authorities to the Soviet representatives attached to the Allied Headquarters in the Mediterranean region as well as to the members of the Military Mission of the USSR in England, who have been entrusted with the task of repatriating the Soviet citizens mentioned. The Soviet Government would be very grateful to the Government of the United States for the extension of the necessary cooperation in the repatriation to the Soviet Union of the Soviet citizens mentioned, particularly those of them who, after falling into the hands of the Allied Armies in Europe, have been sent to England, the U.S.A. and Canada together with other prisoners. The Soviet Government would be very grateful also for making transportation available for the repatriation of these Soviet citizens to the USSR.
Very truly yours,