711.94114 Supplies/10–2744: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan)
2559. Embassy’s 4121, October 27. Following numbered paragraphs refer to similarly numbered paragraphs Foreign Office aide-mémoire October 26.16
- 1 and 2.
- 2800-ton figure given in Department’s 2531, October 26,17 was received from Bern in a telegram which also gave a 1900-ton figure. Legation Bern endeavoring obtain clarification but in meantime Department, assuming from gross tonnage of Japanese ship that 2800-ton figure might be correct, forwarded that figure to Embassy. If 1900-ton figure correct, some cargo probably must be left behind.
- Department suggests that Japanese ship be loaded as follows: First, all American medical supplies (which should not be exposed to temperature below freezing); second, all British and Canadian supplies (except individually addressed parcels, if any, which Japanese Government has requested be not sent); third, all clothing, books, shoe repair material, cigarettes, recreational supplies, and any similar items; fourth, remainder cargo capacity Japanese ship to be filled with American food packages.
- 3.
- See above paragraph.
- 4.
- American Government willing to leave such details to discretion Soviet authorities.
- 5.
- American Government willing to receive and permit International Red Cross to supervise distribution of relief supplies sent from Japan. Spanish Embassy, Washington, has been so informed. Japanese Government has also been so informed through Bern. Department understands that Canadian Government also has expressed its willingness to receive relief supplies and mail.
- 6.
- In the event Japanese ship cannot depart Nakhodka as now scheduled, Department should be given a minimum of 24 hours notice of new departure date. Allied forces will be promptly notified of new schedule.
It is hoped, however, that loading can be completed in time for [Page 1193] present schedule to be met. To this end American Government willing to pay for overtime for personnel used in transferring cargo and willing to pay costs of any extra facilities required to effect transfer of cargo within time set out in present schedule.
In this connection Japanese Government has asked American Government to make payment direct to Soviet Government in respect of all charges incurred at Nakhodka in connection with this operation. While American Government’s agreement to this request was set forth under paragraph 2 Department’s 2488, October 20 (text of which was furnished Soviet Government), Embassy may wish to confirm to Soviet authorities that American Government will make direct payment to Soviet Government in respect of such expenses plus such additional charges as may be incurred in transferring cargo in time to conform to schedule for Japanese ship.