Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The American Republics, Volume IX

810.24/7–1645: Circular telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Representatives in the American Republics ²³

Washington , July 16, 1945—9 a.m.

Restricted telegram, Circular July 15 [16], 8 a.m.²⁴ quotes text of a recent Presidential directive²⁵ regarding future uses of Lend-Lease, issued through Joint Chiefs of Staff to War and Navy Departments. War Department has informed its missions in other American republics of directive.

Dept is now seeking clarification of effect of this directive on Lend-Lease to other American republics. Pending such clarification, Dept is not in a position to interpret precisely directive, particularly in its effect on continuing projects of Lend-Lease assistance to which this Government is committed. However, it is clear that restriction of Lend-Lease to that actually used against Japan will reduce transfers to a very small amount.

Since entering into force on July 1, 1944, of Lend-Lease policy transmitted in the Dept’s confidential circular instruction of June 24, 1944,²⁶ Lend-Lease transfers to other American republics have been continuously curtailed.

Dept believes that Lend-Lease should be eliminated as rapidly as possible and that in the carrying out of future military cooperation with other American republics provisions of Surplus War Property Act²⁷ should be used, pending passage by Congress of specific legislation for this purpose.

The Presidential directive cannot at this time be communicated to Govts of other American republics. As soon as clarification of effect of directive has been obtained, further information will be sent to you. Until such time, however, Dept will attempt to discourage requests for Lend-Lease assistance and asks that you do likewise should need arise.

Grew

23. Sent to the diplomatic representatives in Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Sent on July 17, 9:30 a.m., to the remaining American Republics except Argentina and Panama.
24. Not printed.
25. Directive dated July 5, 1945, limiting the issue of lend-lease munitions of war and military and naval equipment to that which would be used in the war against Japan. For text, see Foreign Relations, The Conference of Berlin (The Potsdam Conference 1945, vol. i, p. 818.
26. Not printed.
27. Act approved October 3, 1944; Public Law 457, 58 Stat. 765.