Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The British Commonwealth, The Far East, Volume VI

800.24/10–845

The Secretary of War (Patterson) to the Secretary of State

Washington, October 8, 1945.

Dear Mr. Secretary: I acknowledge receipt of the joint letter from the Foreign Economic Administration and the State Department dated September 20, 1945, setting forth the terms and conditions of payment for the issuance of maintenance items for United States equipment now in the possession of Allied Forces, under paragraph c of the Presidential Policy on Military Lend-Lease contained in JCS 771/18, dated September 5, 1945.⁷³

I am enclosing herewith a copy of the War Department directive⁷⁴ issued to the Commanding General, Army Service Forces,⁷⁵ Commanding General, Army Air Forces,⁷⁶ and to all Theater Commanders.

The War Department will render separate reports for billing purposes to the Foreign Economic Administration or its designated successor organization covering all transfers made under this authority and require that all requisitions accepted from foreign governments bear the statement: “It is agreed that full cash payment will be made upon presentation of a bill by the United States Government.”

The War Department takes the position that it may transfer reasonable quantities of materials without any limitations as to total value of aid furnished under this arrangement. Further, such aid will be rendered to all countries which have received Lend-Lease aid unless otherwise specifically instructed by the State Department.⁷⁷

Sincerely yours,

Robert P. Patterson

73. Not printed here.
74. Not printed.
75. Lt. Gen. Brehon B. Somervell.
76. General of the Army Henry H. Arnold.
77. Information concerning the furnishing of maintenance items in return for cash payment was communicated in a note from the Secretary of State to the British Ambassador on October 12, not printed. For text of note sent, mutatis mutandis, on the same date to the Soviet Chargé, see vol. v, p. 1042.