861.24/5–1645
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé of the Soviet Union (Novikov)
Sir: I have received your note of May 16 in reply to my communication of May 12 with reference to the future United States policy covering the delivery of Lend-Lease supplies to the Soviet Union.
I am pleased to note that the Soviet Government is prepared to take cognizance of the decision of the Government of the United States that [Page 1007] the new situation created by the end of organized hostilities in the European Theater makes it necessary to readjust the current Lend-Lease program covering the delivery of supplies to the Soviet Union.
As I pointed out in my note of May 12 the United States Government intends to fulfill the agreed to program in Annex III of the Fourth Protocol and to deliver such other supplies as may be now on hand or on order for the Soviet Union which may be justified on the basis of adequate information regarding the essentiality of Soviet military supply requirements and demands for such supplies in the changed military situation. Moreover, as indicated in my note of May 12 future Lend-Lease programs for the Soviet Union will be based on the same criteria of adequate information regarding the essentiality of Soviet military requirements and of the competing demands for such supplies in the changed military situation. My Government urges upon you the need for furnishing the necessary information as promptly as possible.
Accept [etc.]