861.24/12–1449
Minutes of Meeting of the Subcommittee on Naval Ships1
Present
- Charles W. Yost,2 EE
- Capt. Wm. O. Floyd, Navy Dept.
- Lt. Comdr. J. C. Davis, Navy Dept.
- M. H. Cardozo, L/E
- G. E. Truesdell, EE
- F. T. Murphy, LL
The discussion opened with a few general remarks as to our next move in connection with the remaining Naval vessels held by the Soviet Government. It was pointed out that with the 27 frigates now in our possession, one of the icebreakers due to be returned on December [Page 753] 25th, and the others scheduled for return sometime in the Spring of 1950, we should now develop a line of action to be followed on the remaining Naval vessels.
Comdr. Davis pointed out that the Navy was under instruction of the Secretary of Defense to endeavor to bring about the recapture or return of all of the Lend-Lease Naval vessels remaining in Soviet-custody. It was understood by those present that this would be a major change in our original plan, already presented to the Soviet Government in a note, which provided for the recapture of approximately 186 of the Naval vessels and the sale to the Soviets of the remaining number approximating 242. Captain Floyd and Comdr. Davis both stated that the Navy Department had no choice but to follow the instructions of the Secretary of Defense.
State representatives were unanimous in questioning the advisability of changing our position and indicated that the matter would require very careful consideration by top level authorities within the Department. It was agreed that the wording of the letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of State setting forth the Navy’s desire that all the Naval vessels be returned was sufficiently broad to enable us initially to undertake, the recapture of only the original 186 vessels. The Navy representatives took the firm position that they could not go along with any proposal that would imply that we might not try to bring about the return of all of the vessels without clearing such a course of action with the Secretary of Defense.
The State representative voiced strong doubt as to the advisability of endeavoring to recapture all of the vessels, but it was agreed that a note to the Soviet Government would be prepared reaffirming our request for the return of the 186 vessels and that after such a note was cleared with the Navy Department, the Russian Ambassador would be called in for a discussion of the matter at which time he would be handed the note. This procedure was agreed to by the Navy representatives on the understanding that it would not necessarily preclude demands for the remaining craft.
There was some discussion as to the timing of our next approach to the Soviet Government on the return of the 2 icebreakers scheduled for return next Spring. It was agreed by those present that action should be deferred until next Spring probably sometime in March at which time it is believed the Soviets should be able to forecast rather accurately when the icebreakers can be returned. It was agreed that about that time, we would again discuss the port of return of these icebreakers.
The status of the 27 frigates which we now have in our possession was also discussed and a State representative voiced opposition to any plan which would involve the disposal of these frigates to a foreign country. It was recognized by all of those present that any such move [Page 754] on our part at this time would simply antagonize the Soviet Government and would undoubtedly jeopardize our dealings with them not only on the remaining Naval vessels but on the entire settlement negotiations. There is a letter on this from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of State but it was agreed that no immediate reply is required and the Navy representative undertook to make no final disposition of the matter without further consultation with the Department of State.
The discussion closed with the understanding that the details of our next approach to the Soviet Government on the return of the 186 vessels would be worked out promptly within the State Department and that another meeting of the Subcommittee would be held to consider the matter before contact is made with the Soviet Government.