Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1945, Europe, Volume V

861.24/2–2445: Telegram

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

Moscow, February 24, 1945—2 p.m.
[Received 5:35 p.m.]

539. Due to my absence from Moscow, action on Department’s 115, January 18, 10 p.m. was deferred till my return.

The question of transfer of lend-lease materials to third countries has since been taken up at my direction with Foreign Trade as a matter affecting future deliveries of lend-lease material. That the Soviet master agreement and the lend-lease act both require the consent of the President before transfer was cited. Also, the necessity for considering the transfer of items similar to those being received under lend-lease as being in the safe category was pointed out. Specific cases were cited:

(a) Soviet press January 13 and February 2: Exchange with Finland of 30,000 tons of grain, 1,000 tons of sugar and 300 tons of confectionery products (presumably containing sugar) in return for raw materials, military supplies and labor.

(b) Soviet press January 27: Plan to give 60,000 tons of grain to Warsaw.

(c) Common knowledge that trucks have been given to Yugoslav and Polish armies. Also, that American trucks have been used for Polish civil economy.

A request was made that

(a) Advice be given by the Soviets of transfers of this nature that had been made in the past, showing the need from the standpoint of the war and the reason for not obtaining approval.

(b) Consulting with representatives of the United States before such transfers are made in the future.

It was pointed out that prompt reply would be made to request for retransfers. General Semichastnov²⁰ of Foreign Trade, with whom the matter was taken up, agreed to try to find a solution. This matter will be followed up at future conferences.

Harriman

20. Maj. Gen. Ivan Fedorovich Semichastnov, Assistant People’s Commissar for Foreign Trade of the Soviet Union.