861.24/9–2649

United States Side Minutes of Meeting of Combined Working Group on Naval Craft1

confidential

Present

U.S. USSR
Mr. R. G. Hooker, Jr. Adm. N. A. Piterski, Sov. Navy
Capt. Wm. O. Floyd, USN Capt. 2nd C1. M. I. Vanyukin, Sov. Navy
Lt. Comdr. J. C. Davis, USN
Mr. C. C. Matlock Mr. B. K. Sokolov, 1st Sec, Sov. Emb. (Interpreter)
Mr. M. H. Cardozo
Mr. G. E. Truesdell
Mr. J. M. McSweeney

Admiral Piterski immediately opened the meeting by stating his regrets for the delay on the part of his government since receiving the United States draft of the proposed agreement. He said that the draft as presented by the United States side was fully acceptable and that Ambassador Panyushkin would sign for the USSR. Mr. Hooker stated that Mr. Thorp would sign for the United States.

The Admiral stated that there was one minor alteration which he wished to propose in connection with the deed of delivery and receipt, He wished to add a phase to the effect that the deed is executed in both English and Russian and both texts are authentic. Mr. Hooker agreed and suggested that a similar phrase be added to the agreement itself. Both sides agreed. Admiral Piterski suggested 11:00 a. m. Tuesday, September 27 for signature of the agreement. After contacting Mr. Thorp it was mutually agreed to sign at 9:15 a. m. September 27.

Admiral Piterski asked for an explanation of the meaning of paragraph 11.2 Mr. Hooker explained that it was proposed that a representative [Page 739] of the appropriate United States Naval Commander would call upon the Commanding Officer of each of the Icebreakers at Bremerhaven and upon the Commanding Officer of each group of Frigates at Yokosuka, so that in all six calls would be made; and that it would not be necessary for the Soviet Officers in question to return the calls unless they so desired. Admiral Piterski appeared satisfied with this explanation.

Captain Floyd requested information concerning radio frequency and call signals of the vessels to be returned. Admiral Piterski promised to provide this information informally as soon as possible. The Admiral asked for suggested courses for the vessels proceeding to Yokosuka. Commander Davis stated the exact course would be provided at the time of radio contact. The Admiral reiterated his desire to have a suggested course. Commander Davis then presented to the Soviet representatives notations concerning communication i.e. frequency, call signals and designation of addresses at Yokosuka and Bremerhaven.

After the meeting Mr. McSweeney and Mr. Sokolov agreed that the Soviet Embassy would prepare the Russian text and that they would meet at 8:45 a. m. September 27, 1949 to compare texts.

  1. This meeting was held in the Department of State, beginning at 4 p. m.
  2. This paragraph of the agreement read: “A representative of the Senior United States Naval Commander at the appropriate port will call upon the Senior Soviet Officer upon arrival; otherwise all official calls will be considered as having been made and returned.”