Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, Europe, Volume IV

711.62114/10–944

Memorandum by Mr. Bernard Gufler of the Special War Problems Division to the Chief of the Division of Eastern European Affairs (Bohlen)

[Washington,] October 17, 1944.

Mr. Bohlen: I refer to the memorandum dated October 11, 1944, of Mr. Bailey’s conversation with officers of the War and Navy Departments concerning the treatment to be accorded Russian nationals held as German prisoners of war in this country. A copy of Mr. Bailey’s memorandum was sent to you and a second copy is attached hereto for your ready reference.⁷⁷

I have now received a copy of the proposed reply to the Department referred to in Mr. Bailey’s memorandum. It is Appendix “C” of the attached papers.⁷⁸ The proposed reply is substantially the same as the one Colonel Bernays dictated in Mr. Bailey’s presence with the exception of the paragraph concerning the labor to be performed by the prisoners of war.⁷⁹ The new paragraph concedes somewhat more to the Soviet Government than the old one.

The new policy toward Soviet nationals differs from the policy hitherto followed with regard to them and with the policy which it is proposed to continue to follow with regard to other Allied nationals. The most notable difference is that no persons claimed by other Allied Governments are delivered to the custody of those Governments against their wills. The adoption of this new policy towards the Soviets will result in the delivery to the Soviet authorities of persons hitherto withheld from them because they were unwilling to return to the Soviet Union.

I would be grateful if you would let me have your reactions to the plan set forth in the draft letter as quickly as possible as the Army is pressing me for a reply.⁸⁰

B[ernard] G[ufler]

77. Not printed.
78. None printed.
79. In this version the Soviet Embassy was requested to “indicate to this Government, at an early date, the general types of work upon which it will be agreeable to have these personnel employed.” (711.62114/10–944)
80. In a memorandum of October 20, 1944, Mr. Bohlen signified his approval provided that the United States did not “obligate itself to determine which prisoners of war are Soviet citizens in order to advise the Soviet authorities in this regard.” He suggested that the claimants to Soviet citizenship be segregated and that officials of the Soviet Embassy be allowed to interview them. (711.62114/10–944)