811.20 Defense (M)/1211: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:53 p.m.]
273. Embassy’s 669, June 18, 1940, 10 a.m.22 No essential changes in the situation with respect to the production self-sufficiency and export capacity of the Soviet Union in the metals discussed in my telegram under reference have occurred since that time so far as the Embassy is able to ascertain. Press sources here indicate that the output of manganese, chromite and mica increased somewhat during the latter portion of 1940. Regular sizeable foreign trade of mica have [has] continued and it is believed not impossible that a small exportable surplus chromite and antimony is believed to have been somewhat larger in 1940 than in 1939, but remains far below domestic requirements so that the main reliance continues to be placed on imports as regards these commodities. Mercury output is understood to have shown no appreciable rise in 1940, but domestic production is reported to be sufficient to meet internal demands.
- Not printed; but see despatch No. 269, January 24, 1940, from the Ambassador in the Soviet Union, Foreign Relations, 1940, vol. iii, p. 181.↩