711.94114 Supplies/10–2044: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan)
2551. Paragraph 2, Depts 2488, October 20. As stated in this Government’s communication to the Japanese Government concerning the movement of relief supplies from Soviet territory to the Far East on the completion of the current operation this Government intends to propose to the Japanese Government further shipments of relief supplies. Until we are in a position to name a definite transfer point, however, a proposal of this nature cannot be made. Department is aware of Soviet Government’s expressed preference for the overland route in connection with further shipments. Japanese Government, however, has stated (see Sexto, paragraph 1, Depts 2488, October 20) that it is doubtful that the desired amounts of supplies can be handled by rail. Dept is hopeful that the Soviet Government will extend permission for the continued use of Nakhodka for this purpose. The proximity of Nakhodka to Japan would seem to increase the chances of Japanese acceptance of that port as a transfer point for further shipments. Any transfer point that could be used, other than a Soviet Pacific port, would be so far distant from Japan that Japanese Government probably would not accept. Moreover, safe conduct between Japan and Nakhodka presents no serious problem. Difficulties would be presented, however, if Japanese ship were to pass through zones of active combat to and from the transfer point. It is understood from Embs 3375, September 8, that this question is under consideration by the Soviet military authorities.
As soon as the Japanese vessel has departed from Nakhodka, please approach Soviet Foreign Office regarding this matter stressing the importance of the use of Nakhodka in connection with further operations [Page 1191] of this nature and endeavor to obtain early reply.12 Speedy action is required in order that Dept may be in a position to forward a further proposal to Japanese Government immediately upon the arrival in Japan of the current shipment.
- The Chargé in Moscow reported in telegram 4503, November 25, 1944, that a note about the continued use of Nakhodka had been sent on November 9 to the Commissariat for Foreign Affairs, and that now another request was being made, as no reply had been received (711.94114 Supplies/11–2544).↩