711.94114 Supplies/5–1845: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 18—6:20 p.m.]
1656. Note was sent today to Foreign Office giving all of information in Dept’s 1076, May 15, 7 p.m. concerning POW supplies for the Far East and requesting their intercession with Japanese in reinstating former plan.
The various suggestions for use of Soviet ship to deliver the POW supplies to Japanese have not as yet been made to Soviets nor was subject mentioned of expenses incurred by Soviets in connection with last shipment. I believe these suggestions form a practical basis for our next step if Soviets are unsuccessful in arranging with Japanese for a Japanese vessel to pick up the supplies at Nakhodka. Suggesting use of a Soviet ship might at this time confuse both Soviets and [Page 1064] Japanese. As indicated by Dept, we are not absolutely certain as yet that the Japanese definitely have decided not to enter into arrangements for another ship to go to Nakhodka.