861.9111 RR/7–1844: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 18—9:21 a.m.]
2630. Press for July 16, devotes 18 inches to a Washington report of Eric Johnston’s press conference on the prospects for postwar Soviet-American trade. Item refers to Johnston’s statements that there is a great opportunity for a much larger Soviet-American trade [in] the post-war period than there was before the war. The Soviets will desire American goods to help rebuild the devastated areas and will purchase capital goods useful in producing consumption goods, although there is little prospect of their purchasing consumption goods. In return for American goods, the Soviets can export timber, certain agricultural products and minerals such as nickel, wolfram, and manganese.
The item quotes Johnston’s statements regarding necessity for long-term credits to foster this trade.
The despatch also reported Johnston’s belief that there are excellent prospects for post-war Soviet-American friendship and his statement that he had frankly discussed with Stalin his views regarding noninterference by Soviets in American affairs and American recognition that Soviets have a right to their system without American interference. Johnston’s answer to a question regarding possiblity of deals between a Capitalist and a Communist state to effect he and Stalin considered this entirely possible, is reported.