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

861.24/1425a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley)

Washington, April 30, 1943—6 p.m.

268. “From Spalding for Burns. It would appear most desirable to ferry as many airplanes as possible via Alaska, in view of the great saving of time in delivery and the difficulties (including effort to disassemble and assemble) of shipping by water. In formulating plans, it would be very helpful to have information regarding future planned capacity of the route and possibility of expansion.”⁹⁴

Hull

94. For correspondence on the question of the use of the Alaska–Siberia route for ferrying airplanes and as an improved means of communications, see pp. 616–723, passim.