861.24/620
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State
The Soviet Ambassador called at his request and talked at some length about the failure of his Government to borrow any money from this country with the exception of ten million dollars on gold collateral. I also expressed my regret and disappointment in this respect and assured him that I would continue to do my best to advance such matters, both as to credit and supplies for Soviet Russia in the war. The Ambassador said that he made the mistake of his life in agreeing not to accept lease-lend benefits and advantages instead of paying cash or its equivalent for supplies in this country, and he mentioned how far behind his country was in obtaining from this country most urgently needed military supplies. I made appropriate reply to this and pledged every cooperation.