861.24/5–3045
The Director, U.S.S.R. Branch, Foreign Economic Administration (Wesson), to the Acting Chairman of the Government Purchasing Commission of the Soviet Union in the U.S.A. (Eremin)58
Dear Mr. Eremin: We are reviewing, in the light of the changed military situation, the industrial materials and equipment now on hand or on order which were contracted for prior to the end of hostilities in Europe for the purpose of providing lend-lease aid to the Soviet Government. As soon as our review of the information on essential Soviet military requirements has been completed, we shall be able to advise you of our decision with respect to particular items.
It would seem that, in any event, a large portion could not be approved for transfer on lend-lease terms to the U.S.S.R. in accordance with the principles which were announced to your Government as governing the continued provision of lend-lease aid to the U.S.S.R. in the changed military situation. I would, therefore, appreciate it if you would advise me whether your Government desires to purchase on a cash basis any industrial materials and equipment now on order or in stock which are in excess of the eligible requirements of the Soviet Government on straight lend-lease terms.
It is urgent that you advise me as soon as possible of the desire of your Government in this matter in order that your requirements on this cash payment basis may be considered along with the urgent requirements of other claimants.
We shall be pleased to explain to you the procedure for cash reimbursable transactions under the Lend-Lease Act.
Sincerely yours,
Major General, U. S. Army
- Copy transmitted to Moscow in instruction 633, June 8, not printed.↩