Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, The Conference of Berlin (The Potsdam Conference), 1945, Volume I

Truman Papers: Telegram

No. 143
President Truman to Marshal Stalin ¹

top secret
priority

[Washington,] 29 May 1945.

Number 275, personal and top secret, from the President for Premier J. V. Stalin.

Thank you for your suggestion regarding surrendered German ships contained in your message dated May 23, 1945.²

It appears to me that this is an appropriate subject for discussion by the three of us at the forthcoming meeting at which time I am sure a solution can be reached which will be fully acceptable to all of us.

Regarding the available records of the German Naval surrender it is my understanding that examination of the German files is now being considered by our appropriate commanders in the areas concerned.

Truman

1. Sent to the United States Naval Attaché, Moscow, via Navy channels. Paraphrase incorporated into a note of May 29 from Harriman to Molotov for delivery to Stalin.
2. See document No. 386, footnote 2.