800.4016 D.P/12–2546
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Smith) to the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union (Dekanozov)
Dear Mr. Dekanozov: In reply to my communications regarding the repatriation of Soviet nationals from the United States zones of Germany and Austria, I am informed that the United States Military Headquarters in Germany has re-emphasized by telegram its previous directive32 ordering United States Military Commanders to facilitate [Page 199] the contact of Soviet officials with persons of Soviet, Baltic, and Ukrainian origin in displaced persons assembly centers, as well as the use therein of Soviet films and newspapers. The intention is to facilitate Soviet officials in their efforts to persuade inmates to return to their former domiciles. The directive of United States Military Headquarters further provides that Soviet repatriation officials, upon their request and accompanied by an United States officer, may visit any displaced persons camp containing or alleged to contain Soviet nationals.
For your information, the provision which requires an accompanying United States officer has been instituted solely for the purpose of guarding against demonstrations or threats by any anti-Soviet elements while the Soviet official is performing his duties. United States Military authorities in Frankfurt and Berlin have instructed all military personnel concerned to be constantly alert to prevent and stop anti-repatriation activities or the harboring of quislings in displaced persons camps.
I am, my dear Mr. Dekanozov,
Sincerely yours,
- Dated January 4, 1946.↩