Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1943, The British Commonwealth, Eastern Europe, the Far East, Volume III

861.24/1280: Telegram

The Second Secretary of Embassy in the Soviet Union (Thompson) to the Secretary of State

[Extracts]

Moscow, February 17, 1943—3 p.m.
[Received 8:32 p.m.]

96. To Stettinius from Faymonville.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4. First shipment of Soviet synthetic rubber tires was sunk. Second shipment is already en route and you will soon be informed of name of ship.

5. Has Soviet Government promised you a definite quantity of bristles as reverse Lend-Lease cargo to United States in 1943?

6. It is essential to have at least a portion of Soviet sugar requirements in the form of lump sugar. This is Commissar’s answer to the subject matter of your cable 82, February 11, 6 p.m. General Belyaev will inform you soon of the percentage which is considered an absolute minimum to be shipped in lump form. This percentage will be less than the 80% originally requested. Commissar explains that lump sugar is to meet army needs and that sugar in other form is not practicable for use on present active fronts where kitchens are lacking, transportation of even small sized containers of bulk material is not practicable and troops must carry individual rations.

7. Trial cargo of apatite concentrates will be shipped to America in accordance with your cable 86, February 13, 10 p.m.⁵⁶

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9. Krutikov reports progress on third protocol but cannot state date of submission. Are you working currently with Belyaev on third protocol. If so cable me subject headings on which you have reached substantial agreement as to quantities. [Faymonville.]

Thompson

56. Not printed; according to this telegram, the Defense Supplies Corporation (a United States Government concern) was considering a request for trial cargo of 7,000 tons of the concentrates, with “no present prospects of large requirements.” (861.24/1278b)