740.0011 P.W./5–2345
The Secretary of the Navy (Forrestal) to the Under Secretary of State (Grew)
Dear Joe: I refer to the enclosure to your note of the 21st of May relative to the problem of the attitude we should take towards the [Page 884] future position and activities of Soviet Russia in the Far East. I note that the paper will be taken by Bohlen to Moscow today.
A brief examination of the paper indicates to me that the military aspects require very careful study by the U. S. military authorities. I shall endeavor to write you more fully on this subject within a few days. Meantime, I feel strongly that Harriman should be told not to go into the military aspects of this question with the Russians until he receives further advice.
Sincerely yours,