Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1941, General, The Soviet Union, Volume I

860C.24/108: Telegram

The Ambassador to the Polish Government in Exile (Biddle) to the Secretary of State

London, August 20, 1941—5 p.m.
[Received August 20—1:25 p.m.]

Polish Series No. 31. Reference Department’s 2194, June 19, 11 p.m. For Hopkins. General Sikorski states following:

1. According to terms of Polish-Russian agreement the organization of the Polish fighting force in Russia is already proceeding. The latest reports of Polish Military Mission in Moscow anticipate early formation of Polish fighting force of 40,000 troops.

2. It has been ascertained that Soviet Government is incapable of providing the necessary warm weather-proof clothing equipment for this force. Therefore, General Sikorski earnestly hopes that, under the terms of the Lease-Lend Bill, either the British or our Government might be prepared to supply these requirements. He would greatly appreciate your reaction to this request at your earliest convenience.⁷

[

Biddle

]

7. The answer was contained in Polish Series telegram No. 25, October 1, 1941, in which the Department explained that Great Britain would supply the necessary uniforms, because it would take 120 days from the date of contract in the United States to obtain such equipment for 40,000 Polish fighters.