861.24/6–1545: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 15—4:05 p.m.]
2106. For the Acting Secretary. In my talk with Mikoyan, referred to in Army cable M 24647, June 10 [11] to York and Clayton, I also answered the question he raised as reported in my 1829 [1812], May 30, 6 p.m., in accordance with information received in army cable War-13071, June 7 [6], re the possibility of delivery of the unshipped items of industrial equipment under the Fourth Protocol.
[Here follows summary of conversation reported in memorandum of June 11, printed on page 1018.]
I have a feeling he is very much on the spot with his own people. When I remained firm he became more reasonable and expressed the hope that something could be done.
In connection with the industrial equipment requested under the new list of May 28 he said the Soviet Govt was ready to agree to purchase under credit terms the unshipped items at the termination of the Pacific war. This was reported in first Army cable referred to above.
I would appreciate receiving information as to our policy in respect to reopening the question of 3–c in the event Russia participates in the Pacific war. If we are ready to do so would it be possible to negotiate now a 3–c agreement under which the Soviet Govt paid for such items as cannot be shipped promptly under long term credit? If this [Page 1026] seems desirable I would suggest that I be instructed to attempt to negotiate such a credit with Mikoyan direct because of the difficulty which Mr. Acheson had in attempting to deal with Stepanov in Washington. I don’t know whether I can be any more successful here. I feel that many of the items requested on this new list would be useful to the Russians if the war against Japan lasts a considerable period of time and thus benefit US. They would also be useful to the Russians after the termination of hostilities.
As a matter of policy I hope a way can be found to offer again the 3–c agreement for industrial items which can be justified as possibly contributing to the purposes of Annex III.