Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, General: Political and Economic Matters, Volume II

840.50 UNRRA/11–1945: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman)

Washington, November 19, 1945—11:14 a.m.

2363. Following is text of letter dated September (Dept copy does not give day of month³³) from Messrs Clayton, Baker,³⁴ and Canadian Member of the Council³⁵ to Mr. Sergeev:

“Reference is made to our conversation of August 24, in which we agreed on a text of a resolution regarding additional contributions which was subsequently adopted by the UNRRA Council. During the conversation, you agreed on behalf of the delegations of the USSR, Ukraine, and Byelorussian SSR and we on behalf of our respective delegations to the following understanding.

“The application of the USSR for receipt of free UNRRA assistance will be replaced by applications on behalf of the Ukrainian and Byelorussian Republics for receipt of relief and rehabilitation supplies in the amount of 250 million dollars. In the consideration of the applications of the Ukrainian and Byelorussian Republics by an appropriate sub-committee to be established in accordance with Resolution 23, the United States, United Kingdom and Canadian representatives undertake to support the applications of the Ukrainian and Byelorussian Republics for receipt of free relief and rehabilitation supplies from UNRRA in the amount of 250 million dollars. We are satisfied from what you have told us that the facts will justify us in taking this course. It is understood that there will be a maximum simplification of the procedure of considering the applications, and that every effort will be made to avoid delay either in reaching a decision or in rendering the assistance required. It is understood that, if the additional funds contemplated in Resolution 80³⁶ are not forthcoming from the three principal contributing countries, a new situation will arise in which all concerned with the present exchange of letters will endeavour to ensure a reduction by the Administration of all outstanding claims, including those of the Ukrainian and Byelorussian Republics, sufficient to bring them within the limits of the funds available.

“We would appreciate your confirming the correctness of this statement of our mutual understanding.”

Byrnes

33. A copy of this letter in Department files, omitting the last sentence in paragraph 2, is dated September 1, 1945.
34. Philip J. Noel-Baker.
35. Lester B. Pearson.
36. For text, see Woodbridge, UNRRA, vol. iii, p. 146.