103.9169: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:38 p.m.]
3648. Re Department’s 2202, October 22, 4 p.m. From Crandall for FEA Hazard. Ambassador and I feel that question of obtaining inventory of Lend-Lease goods in possession of Russians at termination [Page 1045] of hostilities should be handled in Washington and that there is little we can do here at present time to expedite reply from Russians. In any event, it would be impossible for us to proceed until we are furnished full information on our objectives and what has transpired in Washington. We think it highly unlikely that Soviets will ever furnish any useful estimate and therefore suggest that estimate be prepared in Washington based on arrival of material.
In view of paucity of statistics here on shipments of Lend-Lease supplies especially in last few months, I do not believe that any estimate made by me of goods in possession of Russians at end of hostilities would be of assistance to you. After estimate has been made in Washington, I am sure that this Embassy can be helpful in commenting on it based on such information as we can obtain here from observations and otherwise. [Crandall.]