860C.50/7–1245: Telegram
No. 523
The Acting
Secretary of State to the Appointed Ambassador
to Poland (Lane)1
secret
Washington, July 12, 1945—5 p.m.
3234. For Lane.
As a result of Department discussion in which you participated
regarding possible economic assistance for Poland from the U. S.
the following points have been generally agreed upon:
- 1.
- The U. S. will give full support to UNRRA in fulfilling the
contemplated Polish program. The tentative program
for Poland is substantial, calling for almost half a
million tons of supplies for the third quarter and a
similar quantity for the fourth quarter of this
year. Even if more aid were available for Poland it
is doubtful whether there would be either the
shipping or port facilities to increase any supply
program beyond this target: real difficulties may
even be encountered in delivering the supplies which
UNRRA will have
ready to send with our support.
- It is understood that UNRRA plans to appoint as permanent chief
of the UNRRA
Polish Mission an American, and that the Mission
will include specialists who can promptly revise the
proposed import program on the basis of logical
priorities with cooperation from the local
government officials. …
- 2.
- The Export-Import Bank is prevented from lending
to Poland by a statutory prohibition2 against
loans to governments in default to the United States
Government similar to the prohibitions of the
Johnson
Act3
against private loans to such governments. Proposed
legislation to expand the Bank’s lending power
eliminates this provision. Bills are also before
Congress providing for outright repeal of the
Johnson
Act. It is not known how soon these legal barriers
will be removed, but we are endeavoring to get the
Bank legislation enacted before Congress
recesses.
- In the meantime Poland should prepare promptly a
statement of requirements setting forth the types of
goods needed, quantities, specific projects, and
supporting data, as well as present financial
resources, trade prospects and other relevant
material. This would facilitate conclusion of loan
arrangements in the event that and as soon as the
law permits.
- 3.
- The U. S. would consider favorably proposals
designed to facilitate payments in dollar exchange
for exports, especially of coal.
- 4.
- Plans are being made to provide Poland promptly
with one thousand Army surplus trucks to be supplied
on dollar credit terms. The proposal has been
approved by the Surplus Property Board and the
Office of Army–Navy Liquidation Commissioner has an
understanding [Page 789] with the Army that the trucks
will be available. Details as to types of trucks and
point of delivery will be sent you later.
- 5.
- With respect to the Polish desire to receive
restitution and reparations from Germany, the
question of restitution is closely interrelated with
that of reparations and, hence, must be subject to
the decisions to be arrived at respecting general
reparations policy. Such policy is the subject of
discussions to be held by the Allied Reparations
Commission at Moscow.
- 6.
- Reestablishment of private trade between the U. S.
and Poland is desired as soon as mechanical
limitations and facilities permit. The Department
regards the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and
Consular Rights between Poland and the United
States, signed June 15, 1931,4 as
still in effect. The Department, however, would
welcome the opportunity of negotiating an improved
treaty with Poland.
- 7.
- A mission of Polish requirements specialists to
this country will be welcomed. It is contemplated
that our Embassy staff will include technical,
requirements and economic specialists. We hope the
Poles will cooperate with them.
- 8.
- The matter of a possible increase in Red Cross
assistance to Poland is being pursued and the
indications are that an increase may be available
provided the distribution of supplies in Poland can
take place in accordance with Red Cross
principles.
The following for Harriman.
The above is for your information urtel 2274 June 26.5
Lane has been instructed
to give above information to Polish officials in Warsaw. It is
believed he can convince them that U. S. is making every effort
to meet their urgent needs. Please show this telegram to
Bergson.
Repeated to London and Moscow.
Grew
J[ohn] P[arke]
Y[oung]
