861.24/5–2344
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State (Stettinius) to the Assistant Secretary of State (Acheson)
Mr. Acheson:
Subject: Lend-Lease Settlement.
I enclose herewith the memorandum on this subject85 which Mr. Harriman had intended to discuss at the White House. This memorandum was not sent as it was felt that the Secretary should review it. He has now done so and suggests that it should be made the subject of careful consideration and discussion in the Department before being taken up with the President. I should greatly appreciate it if you would consider it in collaboration with Messrs, Pasvolsky,86 Hawkins87 and an appropriate representative of the Office of European Affairs and any other members of the staff who might have an interest in the problem and have prepared a memorandum containing appropriate recommendations which would reflect the consensus of opinion in the Department which you and I can then review and discuss with the Secretary.88
- Ante, p. 1084.↩
- Leo Pasvolsky, Executive Director, Committee on Post-War Programs, and member of Policy Committee.↩
- Harry C. Hawkins, Director, Office of Economic Affairs.↩
- In an undated penciled memorandum by Ambassador Harriman for Mr. Acheson, the Ambassador wrote: “I recommend that in connection with the terms of repayment if the Soviets put up a strong argument, we liberalize the terms to the extent of (a) 5 years of grace after hostilities cease instead of 3 yrs. (b) 25 yrs. period of repayment of principal instead of 20 yrs. (c) fixed payment of interest & principal instead of interest plus equal annual principal payments. W. A. Harriman.” (861.24/1795a)↩