To President Coolidge

The following letter, based on U. S. President Coolidge's message to Congress (TIME, Dec. 17), was sent to the President by Georges Tchicherin, Foreign Minister of the Soviet Government, through the Russian Telegraph Agency, sole connecting link between the two countries:

It has been the constant endeavor of the Soviet Government to bring about a resumption of friendly relations with the United States of America based upon mutual trust. With this end in view it has repeatedly announced its readiness to enter into negotiations with the American Government and to remove all misunderstandings and differences between the two countries.

After reading your message to Congress, the Soviet Government, sincerely anxious to establish at last firm friendship with the people and Government of the United States, informs you of its complete readiness to discuss with your Government all problems mentioned in your message, these negotiations being based on the principle of mutual non-intervention in internal affairs. The Soviet Government will continue wholeheartedly to adhere to this principle, expecting the same attitude from the American Government.

As to the question of claims mentioned in your message, the Soviet Government is fully prepared to negotiate with a view toward its satisfactory settlement on the assumption that the principle of reciprocity will be recognized all around. On its part, the Soviet Government is ready to do all in its power so far as the dignity and interests of its country permit to bring about the desired end, of renewal of friendship with the United States of America.

(Signed) TCHICHERIN.

People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs,