861.24/1–1946: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union ( Harriman ) to the Secretary of State

secret

184. Re Deptel 93, January 17, 6 p.m.83 We here feel strongly that our Government should not make any more isolated economic arrangements with the Soviets until we have an over-all understanding with them about outstanding economic matters. This applies to such matters as the satisfaction of American complaints concerning seizures of American property in areas under Soviet control and Soviet refusal to collaborate [in the rehab?] ilitation of Europe as well as to consult or inform us on their unilateral economic actions in areas under their control. I also have in mind general lend-lease settlement and conduct of economic discussion under article VII, which Russians have thus far evaded.

I feel, therefore, that Russians in Washington should be told that we have no objection in principle to making available to them surplus property on 3(c) terms but that we can consider this only when an understanding has been reached regarding at least the manner in which outstanding economic questions between the two countries are to be adjusted.

Harriman
  1. The same as telegram 520 to London, supra.