740.00112EW/8–1144: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 11—11:20 a.m.]
2938. Supplementing my 2768, July 26, 8 p.m.7 I have had no answer to my letter of July 24 to Molotov, reference advice by General [Page 1114] Spaatz8 that USSTAF would carry 180 tons of ball-bearings from Sweden to Moscow, and no indication of Soviet Government’s desires. Military Mission are now being asked by USSTAF for a decision.
Members of the Red Air staff have indicated to General Walsh9 that the delay in reply might be because the ball-bearings were not needed immediately and it would be better to await the clearing of the Baltic States for daylight operation rather than by night as now proposed.
If there is no real need for a prompt reply I recommend that we let the matter ret and that USSTAF be informed to suspend further planning for the operation.
I believe that in our relations with the Soviets we should bear in mind that whenever we offer them something gratis they are apt to be suspicious, oriental style, of our motives and aggressive pressure at this time might lead them to believe that our ulterior motive was perhaps the establishment of an airline from Sweden to Moscow.
If, on the other hand, it is desired to obtain a prompt answer I recommend that I be instructed to write Molotov that unless some word as to the Soviet Government’s wishes in [is] received within a specified period, say one week, we must assume that the Soviet Government is no longer interested and we will be thereby relieved of any obligation to transport these bearings.
Repeated to London as my 135.