Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, The Conference of Berlin (The Potsdam Conference), 1945, Volume I

811.24/7–1145: Telegram

No. 543
The Secretary of War (Stimson) to the Secretary of State

top secret

[On Board the U. S. S. “Brazil”,] 11 July 1945.

95. President’s directive¹ limiting military Lend-Lease to use in war against Japan has been forwarded to me on U. S. Army transport Brazil. This directive has been likewise sent to Theater Commanders in Europe for action. McCloy and I are troubled because as the directive now reads, it is necessarily being interpreted by the War Department to forbid:

a. Rations and gasoline for French Army of Occupation.

b. All maintenance and military items for British and French Occupation Forces.

These forces are making possible redeployment of much larger American forces against Japan. Concern is also felt lest it be construed by British and French as reversal of previous commitments. I am sending you this message to inquire whether interpretation placed on directive by War Department is correct.

Stimson

1. See document No. 542.