861.24/717a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in the Soviet Union (Thurston)
1219. Please deliver sufficiently paraphrased following message for Stalin from Harriman:36
“As I leave Washington to return to London I wish to report to you that all efforts are being made by all Departments of the United States Government concerned to expedite the supplies that have been promised.
“Unfortunately shipping has so far caused difficulty and delay but I am now confident satisfactory solution will be found to have available the necessary ships, particularly since it is agreed to use the Persian Gulf for airplane deliveries and some trucks.
In London I will continue to work with Lord Beaverbrook to coordinate the British and United States shipments to be most effective. In addition, I wish to take this opportunity to express to you my deep personal thanks for your hospitality and many courtesies extended to me in Moscow.
May your determination and valor give you strength to withstand the vigorous onslaught of the Nazi invader on your great capitol of Moscow.”
- A paraphrase of this message was handed by the Chargé Walter Thurston, to Vyshinsky in Kuibyshev on the night of November 16, 1941, for delivery to Stalin.↩