124.61/226: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:34 p.m.]
2116. It seems probable, as I have already reported, that the Germans will not be able to renew serious operations against Moscow before next spring—although until their defense line west of Mozhaisk [Page 913] has been retaken by the Soviet forces no certain opinion on this subject can of course be ventured. Under these circumstances and in view of Colonel Pisco’s presence in Moscow, the retention of Thompson and his staff there appears to be warranted. I plan to return to Moscow from time to time65 and should the situation change adversely an endeavor will be made to withdraw our personnel to Kuibyshev in good time.
As the improved situation about Moscow probably will result in greater general activity on the part of the Soviet authorities there, I have requested Thompson to report any developments of interest direct to the Department, repeating his messages to this office.
I desire to make especial reference to the manner in which Thompson, Reinhardt, Wadell, Morgan, and Leino have carried out their duties in Moscow under exceptionally trying circumstances. They have maintained the highest morale and have displayed great initiative and energy in the successful administration of seven British Embassy properties and their numerous personnel in addition to our own interests there.
In this connection, I desire to recommend that Thompson be granted at once a special allowance for such time as he may be in charge of our interests in Moscow. There are numerous demands upon him there which it does not seem proper he should be expected to meet from his personal compensation—such as his servants necessary to maintain Spaso house and the cost of feeding them as well as some of the Government employees, overhead expenses such as those for power and maintenance, and assistance to members of the staff in time of need. The cost of living in Moscow is abnormally high and it appears certain that it will become even more expensive as the winter progresses. The Embassy is now serving as headquarters for all visiting American officials which, of course, increases the operating expenses. If such an allowance is granted, as I sincerely trust it will be, it should be in the form of a general allowance as the officer in charge of our interests in Moscow rather than as an entertainment allowance. I suggest that this allowance be not less than $100 a month and probably $200 a month, and in support of this I may say that Thompson has informed me that the expenses arising out of the fact of his being in charge at Moscow amounted to over $300 during the month of December.
I also desire to recommend an increase in the pay of John Leino, who has rendered exceptional services since the beginning of the war [Page 914] in packing the effects of the Embassy personnel and in packing and shipping the office and commissary equipment of the Embassy as well as in repairing the damages caused both to the Spaso and Mokhovaya buildings by air raids. Leino is not only a skilled carpenter but his duties involve much work of an administrative character in supervising others and he at all times displays great initiative and ability. He should, I venture to suggest, receive not less than $2,000 per year.
- By direction of the President, Walter Thurston was to have the honorary rank of Minister during his incumbency as Counselor of Embassy, and was to travel to and from Kuibyshev, and to stay in Moscow, in his own discretion. See the press release of November 22, 1941, Department of State Bulletin, November 22, 1941, p. 420.↩