Office of the Historian

711.94114 Supplies/8–2045: Telegram

The Vice Consul at Vladivostok (Henry) to the Secretary of State

Vladivostok, August 20, 1945—4 p.m.
[Received 4:07 p.m.]

69. After 2 days’ delay (DipAgent54 knew I wanted to see him but avoided me) I saw DipAgent this morning in effort to get Red Cross supplies to liberated prisoners55 in accordance Deptel 23, Aug 15, repeated Moscow as my 139, Aug 18.

I told him gist of telegram and asked him to transmit following requests to Soviet military authorities: (1) to inform me of any prisoners liberated with full details; (2) to transport or assist me to transport supplies to such liberated prisoners.

[Page 1066]

In conclusion I emphasized well-being of former POWs is matter of utmost import to American people and Govt and consequently-requested full cooperation Soviet officials this matter.

Although DipAgent stated he would “do his best” I doubt that anything can be accomplished here without instructions from Moscow and respectfully suggest Dept request Embassy to act. I already asked Embassy by my 140, August 18, 6 p.m.56 whether it has received any instructions on this subject.

I shall do my utmost to promote matter here and shall report all developments.57

Repeated Moscow as 141.

Henry
  1. Dmitry Mikhailovich Ryzhkov.↩
  2. For documentation concerning the surrender of Japan on August 14, see vol. vi , section under Japan entitled “Surrender of Japan …”, Part I.↩
  3. Not printed.↩
  4. Telegram 1894, August 23, 7 p.m., to Moscow (26 to Vladivostok), authorized the Embassy to make urgent representations to the Foreign Office, stressing the time element, and added: “Highly desirable that supplies reach internees as soon as possible after liberation.” (711.94114 Supplies/8–2045)↩