124.612: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Durbrow) to the Secretary of State
945. Paris for Smith. Having tried to see Molochkov for six days and being told today he would be tied up for three days more, I called on Orekhov1 to discuss customs ultimatum (Deptel 543, May 152). I pointed out patience shown last eight months regarding customs and Molochkov’s last request for a bit more patience, explained I could not understand ultimatum given by high ranking Soviet Customs [Page 872] official and stated I must know within twenty-four hours whether action must be taken by May 25, since if true it would be necessary for Embassy to begin segregating goods for shipment abroad by May 20 to meet deadline and wished avoid complications which would arise if Soviet Government confiscated US Government supplies despite our patient efforts to iron out these difficulties with Soviet authorities. Further stated if not necessary act by May 25 and if Soviet Government desired set definite date upon which we must either accept goods or ship out of country, I requested this date be postponed until after return of Ambassador in order he might discuss matter further with Molotov. I left definite impression if ultimatum stands it could only be interpreted negative Soviet reply our requests for alleviation customs difficulties which would make it necessary for us to take action relative to size our staff as already explained Molotov and Molochkov.
Orekhov replied while he not fully cognizant details customs difficulties, he knew matter under active consideration and felt sure customs ultimatum was not final word and that ‘action taken by Customs official was only under his own Ministry’s fixed regulations. He promised to let me know by tomorrow evening about matter and reiterated he personally felt sure it would not be necessary take action by May 25.3
In view above do not propose send letter to Molotov since believe situation temporarily alleviated.
Considering Molochkov’s virtual refusal see me (he was sick, in a meeting, too tied up, et cetera) for more than week, it would be helpful if Department officials reciprocated in Washington, eventually making it clear why they too busy see members Soviet Embassy.
Information requested second paragraph reference telegram being reported separately.4
Department pass Paris 143.
- Fedor Terentyevich Orekhov was chief of the American Section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union.↩
- Not printed; but see footnote 1, p. 867.↩
- The Chargé reported in telegram 952 from Moscow on May 20 that Orekhov had informed him that the supplies could remain in the customs warehouse pending the resolution of the basic customs questions, which the Soviet Government hoped to decide quickly (124.612).↩
- The Department had requested an estimate of the duty charges on that portion of official and commissary supplies which was considered essential, and also an estimate of storage charges beginning on May 25, if uncleared supplies could remain in customs. The Embassy replied in telegram 947 on May 18; not printed.↩