661.1115/85a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Davis)3
671. A decision has been reached by the President that restrictions now existing on trade with Russia shall soon be removed. Probably an exception will be made of war materials, perhaps including railway equipment for the present. This afternoon I informally communicated this decision to the British, French, Italian, and Japanese Ambassadors, requesting that they advise their respective Governments.
Please advise the Government to which you are accredited of this decision. At the same time explain clearly that this action must not be interpreted as a recognition of any existing Russian faction or of the Soviet regime. The American Government is unable to recognize as valid concessions granted by any of the present Russian factions. This Government proposes to have it clearly understood that individuals in the United States who desire to trade with Russia will engage in such trade on their own responsibility and at their own risk, for the Government cannot give protection without giving recognition to one or more of the present Russian factions, and that we have determined we will not do.
Although the United States recognizes, of course, that the British Government naturally desires to protect its Near Eastern interests and to conclude if possible effective political arrangements with those elements which at present control Russia, the American Government fails to see how such arrangements can be entered into without involving at least a constructive political recognition. When the American Government last March suggested that common action should be planned for dealing with the problem of trading with Russia, such a course was not what it had in mind. As it is evident that it has become impractical to trade through the cooperatives, the American Government believes that the only course open now is that which it contemplates in removing trade restrictions.
It is planned to issue a public notice along these lines soon. As soon as a date has been fixed for such a notice you will be advised.
You are confidentially informed that the American Government feels that there can be no constructive result from the present negotiations with the Russian agents and also that this Government is fundamentally opposed to any attempt by the Supreme Economic [Page 716] Council or any other body to control or to ration any country’s exports.
Repeat this telegram to the Ambassador in France as our no. 1167 and to the Ambassador in Italy as our no. 118 for similar action. Repeat to the Minister in Poland as our no. 284 only for confidential information. This telegram repeated to the Chargé in Japan by the Department.
- See last paragraph regarding repetition of telegram to Tokyo and for instructions to repeat to Paris, Rome, and Warsaw.↩