761.56/11–2150
The Secretary of State to the Chargé of the Soviet Union (Sokolov)
Sir: I refer to the question of two icebreakers of the United States Navy, the North Wind and the West Wind, leased to the Government [Page 1336] of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics under the Lend-Lease Act which have not been returned to the United States in accordance with the obligation of the Soviet Government under Article V of the Master Lend-Lease Agreement and as specifically provided for in the Agreement of September 27, 1949 between the Governments of the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
You will recall that in a note of October 7, 1948, the Government of the United States formally demanded the return of three icebreakers, the North Wind, the South Wind and the West Wind. On September 27, 1949 the Governments of the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics signed an agreement which provided for the return of the three icebreakers to the United States at the port of Bremerhaven, Germany not later than December 1, 1949. On November 12, 1949, the Soviet Chargé d’Affaires informed this Government that only one icebreaker, the South Wind could be returned by December 1, the other two, the North Wind and the West Wind being unable to break through the unusually heavy ice in the Arctic regions. The Soviet Government offered to return the South Wind before December 1, and the North Wind and West Wind at a port in northern Japan in May or June 1950, or earlier if possible. In view of the original agreement, the Soviet Government alternatively offered to return all three vessels at Bremerhaven after piloting them through the Arctic from east to west during the Arctic navigation season in 1950.
On November 29, 1949, the Soviet Chargé d’Affaires was informed that the United States Government was prepared to accept the icebreaker South Wind immediately in the port of Yokosuka, Japan,1 and on December 27, 1949 the South Wind was returned to United States custody.
In its note of May 8, 1950 the United States Government expressed its desire to accept delivery of the North Wind and West Wind in Bremerhaven, Germany before June 30, 1950 or if that were not possible, it agreed to accept delivery in Yokosuka, Japan. Mr. Bazykin, the Soviet Chargé d’Affaires replied to the request of the United States Government on May 31, 1950 stating that the icebreakers North Wind and West Wind could not be returned in the previously specified time because they were caught in solid jammed Arctic ice and were drifting westward. The Soviet Government therefore offered to deliver the icebreakers in the port of Bremerhaven in November or December 1950.
On November 1, 1950 the Soviet Chargé d’Affaires again informed this Government that the two icebreakers could not be delivered. Oil this occasion the Soviet note stated that the icebreakers had not yet broken into clear water because both vessels had damaged screws. [Page 1337] More than a year has passed since the original delivery date agreed to by the Soviet Government. In these circumstances the Government of the United States would appreciate detailed information as to the whereabouts and condition of these two vessels of the United States Navy in order that consideration may be given to the possibility of accepting their return in their present condition and location.
Accept [etc.]
Under Secretary