861.24/1632: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 28—10:50 a.m.]
1194. For Stettinius from Faymonville. Krutikov informs me that Soviet Government has decided to address to British Government, request that immediate steps be taken to renew shipping by convoy to north Russian ports, reminding British Government of Churchill’s promise that northern convoys would be resumed in September. Krutikov dwelt at some length on following points: (1st) Cargoes arriving on northern convoys are made effective on battlefronts far more easily than cargoes arriving by other routes; (2nd) arrangements for transportation within Soviet Union from northern ports are better than at any time in past; (3rd) approaching season appears to be favorable for northern convoys; (4th) risk involved is now less than at any previous time; (5th) last year the lapse of 3 months without northern convoys seriously deranged supply of munitions to the front. This year, though dangers are less, 6 months have already elapsed without shipments and need for entry of munitions through northern ports is correspondingly greater. Krutikov then stated that since the United States Government has been associated with the British Government in northern convoys, it would be appreciated if the American Government would take necessary steps to open the northern convoy route from September 1st. Your assistance is asked in assuring that the period of idleness in north Russian ports shall not be further prolonged. [Faymonville.]