The Ambassador in the Soviet Union ( Harriman ) to the Chairman of the President’s Soviet Protocol Committee ( Hopkins )43
Moscow
, 13 February
1944.
- (1)
- On rereading my cable 08121944 I am not sure I made it plain that I did not intend to register objection if it is necessary to make a supplementary agreement to the Third Protocol covering shipments subsequent to 30 June 1944 particularly as to equipment for plants. My objection was intended to be limited to a supplement that would cover shipments made prior to 30 June 1944.
- (2)
- I have received a cable from the Department45 indicating that there are legal difficulties in making arrangements now for a reconstruction credit except as can properly be done under the Lend Lease Law because of the Johnson Act46 prohibiting loans to nations who had not fulfilled their obligations to us and because of the small balance left of appropriations to Export and Import Bank. Under these circumstances I heartily agree that Lend Lease should be used to the fullest extent appropriate but recognize that it is only a stop gap and does not meet the issue.
- (3)
- If aid for Russian reconstruction is to be of real value in our overall relations with the Soviet Government as a benefit which they can obtain from us if they play the international game with us in accordance with our standards we must have a well forge[d] instrument to offer them. Vague promises excite Soviet suspicions whereas a precise program offered now to them but kept always within our control to suspend will be of extreme value. Stalin must offer his people quick reconstruction to retain supreme leadership. We on the other hand want Russian business quickly during our period of conversion from war production. I therefore urge that this matter be not left to an interdepartmental committee for study alone but that the subject be energetically pursued in the hope of finding a solution permitting prompt action. I realize of course the political difficulties at home but I hope that the double barrelled advantage of prompt action may offer ammunition for dealing with this aspect. I am also expressing these views to the Department.47 Your long cable48 was most helpful to me and I hope you will continue to keep me currently informed of the thinking in Washington as well as definite action.
[
Harriman
]