761.56/11–2150
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State for Economic Affairs (Thorp) to the Under Secretary of State (Webb)
Background
[Here follow two introductory paragraphs containing background information on the efforts by the United States to obtain the return of [Page 1334] three icebreakers held by the Soviet Union for more than 4 years. Only one icebreaker had been returned in December 1949. This material was incorporated in paragraphs two through five of the note of December 28, 1950, from the Secretary of State to Chargé Sokolov of the Soviet Union, page 1385.]
Discussion
The Department of the Navy has on repeated occasions stated that the icebreakers are urgently required by the United States Government; A letter from Acting Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Kimball, to the Department dated November 21, proposed that the Department continue its efforts toward recovery of the icebreakers and that in order to facilitate consideration of possible acceptance of these vessels in their present condition and location, information be requested from the Soviet Government as to their present location. The Navy believes and I concur, that the United States would derive some propaganda value from a refusal by the Soviet Government to provide this information. The possibility of the Soviet Government providing such information and agreeing to return these vessels to United States custody in their present location, is of course extremely remote. I believe, however, that such a request should be made of the Soviet Government, if only for the record. It is contemplated that we will raise the question of these vessels at the forthcoming lend-lease settlement talks beginning on January 15. At that time it may be to our advantage to be able to refer to a previous request for information as to the whereabouts and condition of the two icebreakers.
Recommendation
It is recommended that you sign the attached note to the Soviet Ambassador.1