Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, Europe, Volume IV

861.24/1721a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman)

Washington, January 12, 1944—11 p.m.

62. From Hopkins for Harriman. A substantial reduction in stated requirements has eased considerably the raw materials situation since Batt²⁵ made inquiry on November 25 for Soviet production analysis to determine aluminum and nickel needs. This is true particularly of aluminum and some other metal but not of nickel. The output of aluminum at present has reached the point where reduced production has been directed. This development has been discussed in American press and is known to USSR representatives in Washington.

In view of present conditions I suggest you drop inquiry regarding metals mentioned in your 131 of January 6²⁶ since additional ingot aluminum for USSR can now easily be provided for, and with respect to nickel we have no intention to depart materially from Protocol.²⁷ Batt agrees.

Respecting general policy towards securing supporting data on Soviet requisitions and for new Protocol, my suggestion is that you leave matter in abeyance until problem can receive further consideration here. You will be advised when a decision on the policy to be followed is fixed. I recommend that until you hear further from us no action be taken to obtain information from Soviet representatives to support their requests for extra items not in Protocol.

(For Harriman only—Personal) It is important Batt feels that you clearly understand reason for his November 25 inquiry. He has felt that any available information regarding importance of USSR needs would be most useful to help him effectively push USSR needs versus other competing claims here. He had reason to believe that personal conversations between you and Mikoyan might produce helpful information although he has been unable to get anything on this side. Although desirable, whether you are permitted to transmit such information was not so important as that you should reach a conclusion regarding urgency and could communicate it to us. No approach, it was believed here, other than your personal contact with Mikoyan would be likely to succeed. Neither was it expected that the issue should be so formalized as to have U.S. threaten to deny assistance unless supporting data were furnished. [Hopkins.]

Hull

25. William L. Batt, Vice Chairman, War Production Board.
26. Not found in Department files.
27. For Third (London) Protocol, between the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the Soviet Union, signed at London, October 19, 1943, covering the year beginning July 1, 1943, see Department of State, Soviet Supply Protocols (Washington, Government Printing Office), pp. 51–89; cf. also Department of State Bulletin, October 23, 1943, p. 272.