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

841.24/7–1345: Telegram

No. 546
The Director of War Mobilization and Reconversion (Vinson) to the Secretary of State

top secret

[Washington,] 13 July 1945.

107. In March Stimson asked President Roosevelt for a policy directive for planning military lend-lease during Phase II.

In reply the President referred Stimson to me, and on May 15, Stimson addressed certain inquiries to me.

I held conference with Clayton, Patterson and Crowley at which it was agreed that Quebec conversations had committed us to principle of allowing sufficient military lend-lease to permit proportional and equitable reconversion of United Kingdom economy. Public announcement of this policy had been made by Morgenthau, Stettinius and Crowley in November 1944.

On June 13th, I issued a directive¹ to Stimson along line of Quebec agreement as universally understood.

Meanwhile on May 28th, the Prime Minister cabled the President expressing anxiety as to our policy.² Clayton drafted reply,³ which was cleared with all departments except Treasury. I submitted it to the President. You will recall it was delayed at Admiral Leahy’s suggestion.⁴

Admiral Leahy discussed his views with Crowley, Clayton, Patterson, Rosenman and me. We all agreed his fears were unfounded.

Meanwhile, I presume at Admiral Leahy’s suggestion, the President issued through Joint Chiefs his directive of July 5th,⁵ as to which Stimson has cabled you.⁶

Patterson and all others affected are utterly confused and urgently desire clarification of July 5 directive, feeling it may interfere with redeployment of American forces in Pacific war.

I should appreciate your advice in the premises.

Vinson

1. Enclosure to document No. 540.
2. See document No. 537, footnote 5.
3. Cf. document No. 540, footnote 2.
4. See Leahy, I Was There, pp. 376–377.
5. See document No. 542.
6. See document No. 543.