961.53/9–450: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
605. Depinstr 12 July 28 and Embtel 392 [382] August 11.1 Following full text Vishinsky note dated September 2 replying my note August 10 re return US merchant vessels.
“Re your note August 10 concerning request United States Government on return merchant ships Tbilisi (John Langdon) and Sergei Kirov (Charles Gordon Curtis) have honor communicate following.
“Verification conducted competent organizations established that one of subject ships, namely Tbilisi, torpedoed by enemy submarine in Barents Sea December 30, 1944 as result which ship broke up and bow sank. Consequently Soviet Government deprived possibility fulfill request Government USA return said ship.
“Concerning second ship Sergei Kirov it currently navigating in Arctic. Due special conditions navigation this area appears difficult at present determine time when this ship will complete current mission.
“Expressing readiness satisfy request Government United States America on return ship Sergei Kirov, Soviet Government considers [Page 1315] necessary recall Soviet Union till now has not received 13 ships from German merchant fleet due it according recommendations Tripartite Commission for allotment German merchant fleet of December 4, 1947.2 As known, transfer to Soviet Union mentioned German ships unrealized because recommendations Tripartite Commission together with second report still unconfirmed by Governments United States, Great Britain. Soviet Government expresses hope Government United States will take measures in order confirm shortest time second report and recommendations Tripartite Commission for allotment German merchant fleet and thus transfer mentioned 13 ships German merchant fleet to Soviet Union be assured.”