861.24/5–646

The Secretary of State to the Chargé of the Soviet Union (Orekhov)37

Sir: Among the ships transferred to the Soviet Government under lend-lease arrangements by the United States Navy Department are the following three ice-breakers: CR–96 North Wind, CR–98 South Wind, and CR–99 West Wind.

In view of the United States Government’s pressing need for these vessels, the Soviet Government is requested to make them immediately available for return. Upon receipt of advice from your Government that these vessels are ready for return, the United States Government will designate a port of delivery.

Accept [etc.]

James F. Byrnes
  1. Secretary of State Byrnes in a letter on this same day informed Secretary of the Navy Forrestal that a note was being sent to the Soviet Union asking for the return of three ice-breaker ships, as had been requested in Mr. Forrestal’s letter of May 6. The Secretary of State also wrote: “Officers of your department will of course be consulted whenever any action is contemplated with respect to the vessels in question.” (861.24/5–646)