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

811.79661/1–1746

No. 1169
The Commanding General, Army Air Forces (Arnold) to the Ambassador to the Soviet Union (Harriman)¹

[Babelsberg,] July 20, 1945.

Dear Averell: The Joint Chiefs of Staff this morning agreed to submit the attached memorandum to the President² inclosing a draft memorandum to Marshal Stalin concerning service to Moscow from the United States being routed through Berlin instead of through Teheran.

The United States Chiefs agreed that the continuance of the present situation is intolerable, that there is no justification for the current Soviet attitude, and that it would be desirable for the President to take a most firm position in presenting this matter to Marshal Stalin. Admiral Leahy indicated that he would pass on to the President these views.

Sincerely,

H. H. Arnold

1. Printed from a copy subsequently typed in the American Embassy at Moscow.
2. See document No. 1170.