Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1943, The British Commonwealth, Eastern Europe, the Far East, Volume III

861.24/1582

The Department of State to the Embassy of the Soviet Union ²⁰

Memorandum

The Government of the United States has carefully considered the proposals of the Soviet Government in regard to the Third Protocol as submitted by the Soviet Chargé d’Affaires on July 8, 1943.

The United States agrees to increase its commitment for shipments by the Atlantic from 150,000 short tons per month to an average of 200,000 short tons per month if such capacity by this route proves to be available to the United States. Furthermore, if future conditions permit, the United States agrees to increase this amount as the overall circumstances justify.

The United States agrees to base its assistance to Soviet tonnage in the Pacific on the understanding that the turnaround is of 90 days duration instead of 75 days duration, as stipulated in the original offer. It is desired to point out that, with the help of United States shipping, the Soviet fleet has moved by way of the Pacific during the months of April, May and June an average of approximately 250,000 short tons per month and the July expectations exceed 250,000 short tons. Unless there are other limiting factors, it would therefore seem practical for the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to move by way of the Pacific the 2,700,000 short tons contemplated in the Third Protocol offering.

With reference to the question of vessels, both naval and otherwise, further consideration will be given.

With reference to the question of the omission of certain wording in Articles 2 and 5,²¹ it is desired to emphasize that the Government of the United States is not only willing but is very anxious to render the assistance outlined. The Soviet Government may rest assured that these provisions will not be invoked unless war developments definitely require it.

Washington , July 23, 1943.

20. This memorandum had been approved by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the War Shipping Administration, and the Lend-Lease Administration. It was handed on July 23 to Soviet Chargé Gromyko by Assistant Secretary of State Acheson.
21. These two articles concern possible changes in shipping priorities and in supplies available due to decisive factors and conditions caused by war or other exigencies; see Department of State, Soviet Supply Protocols (Washington, Government Printing Office), pp. 51 and 52.