free of Soviet Domination, the trade of the United States with Russia during 1920 was absolutely negligible, probably amounted to less than $4,000,000.
Though figures for trade with Russia during that period are not available, there is every reason to believe that it was of far less relative importance than in 1913.
It is unquestionably desirable that intimate and mutually profitable commercial relations on an extensive scale be established between the United States and Russia, and it is the sincere hope of this Government that there may be readjustments in Russia which will make it possible for that country to resume its proper place in the economic life of the world.
I am enclosing herewith as of possible interest to you in this connection, copies of the Department's announcement of July 7, 1920, of the Treasury Department's announcement of December 20, 1920, of a statement made by Mr. Alfred W. Kliefoth, of the Foreign Trade Adviser's Office of this Department, before the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and of an announcement made to the press by the Secretary of State, dated March 25, 1921; also a brief statement of the total trade with Russia for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1911 and June 30, 1912.
I would also invite your attention to the recently published hearings of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, entitled "Conditions in Russia," and of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the United States Senate, entitled "Relations with Russia." The former was held in compliance with House Resolution No. 635, and the latter in compliance with Senate Joint Resolution No. 164.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) Charles E. Hughes.
Enclosures:
(5) as stated above.
