033.1161/7–2444: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 25—8:30 a.m.]
2738. In the course of a recent conversation with Vyshinsky, I mentioned my letter to Molotov regarding General Fleming’s proposed trip. Without giving me the formal approval of the Soviet Government, lie indicated that he saw no objection to the proposed visit but was interested in knowing precisely what General Fleming wished to see while in the Soviet Union. The Department’s cable No. 1744, July 20, 8 p.m.,88 was in such general terms that I was unable to satisfy him.
Is it desired that we should await General Fleming’s arrival before making any specific plans or should some program be worked out prior to his arrival? If it is to be the latter, I suggest that someone familiar with the Soviet governmental organization and economic system should discuss this with General Fleming and that I be informed of General Fleming’s wishes.
[Page 981]Reconstruction of devastation and industrial development will be emphasized in postwar construction program. In connection with the first, city planning will play an important part. I would think that if General Fleming were to ask to be informed of the city planning for reconstruction and for development of some of the larger cities, he would obtain interesting information on a number of the items listed in the Department’s cable above-mentioned such as housing, streets, viaducts, airport terminals, sewers, water sanitation facilities, schools, hospitals, health facilities, parks, government buildings and recreational facilities, port developments, et cetera. If he were to ask to see some of the larger power developments, he would also see other items of interest to him.
Another general subject might be irrigation, soil conservation and reforestation, which would lead to his seeing some of the agricultural developments.
The Soviet developments in the use of rivers connected by canals is an important form of inland transportation particularly because of the inadequacy of their railroad system.
I am told that the Soviets have had in the past little if any program of flood control and have let their rivers overflow their banks periodically but are now planning to give the subject greater consideration. On the other hand, they have a well developed meteorological service which includes careful estimates of the department of snow in the water sheds and predicts accurately river levels. This service, as I am told, is in some ways more complete than our own.
I do not find anything of interest in the Russian railroads. They are backward in total mileage, methods of operation and equipment. Grade separations are unknown except in the streets within the larger cities.
Highways, as we understand the term, are practically non-existent in Russia and secondary roads are unspeakable.
It should be borne in mind that the all-absorbing question is the expansion and development of industry. I believe the Soviet Government’s policy will be to direct as large a percentage of national effort to this directional effort as is practicable.
I have gone into the above detail in order to simulate detailed planning for General Fleming’s trip before his arrival. Unless this is done, I am fearful he will waste a lot of time. It takes the Soviets a long time to clear through the different commissariats the question of whether a foreigner be allowed to see certain things and to make the necessary arrangements for the visit.
- Not printed, but see footnote 87, above.↩