Reconstruction of Poland and the Balkans: American Interests 
                              and Soviet Attitude
 
1.   Interests of the United States.
 
      Economic:
 
          a.   Interest in the early return of trade to a 
multilateral basis under the freest possible condi-
tions. The pattern of Europe's future commercial 
policy will be strongly influenced, if not largely 
determined, by policies and procedures established 
during the period of reconstruction. Whether post-
war conditions lead back to bilateralism, restriction 
and autarchy, or be resolved in a manner which will 
permit the progressive growth and liberalization of 
trade and investment will depend in no small measure 
on the ability of the wartorn countries to obtain 
outside (i.e., mostly American) help in reconstruction.
 
          b.   Interest in general European economic stability. 
This stability depends on the maintenance of sound eco-
nomic conditions and reasonable, prosperity in all parts 
of the Continent.
 
    Political:     It now seems clear that the Soviet Union 
will exert predominant  political influence over the areas 
in question. While this Government probably would not 
want to oppose itself to such a political configuration, 
neither would it desire to see American influence in this
part of the world completely nullified. 
 
     In the situation which is likely to prevail in Poland 
and the Balkan states after the war, the United States can 
hope to make its influence felt only if some degree of 
equal opportunity in trade, investment, and access to 
sources of information is preserved. American aid in the
reconstruction of these areas would not only gain the 
good-will of the populations involved, but would also help 
bring about conditions which would permit the adoption of 
relatively liberal policies of this nature.