893.24/1376: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union ( Standley ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:05 p.m.]
232. Department’s 217, May 9, 8 [7] p.m. In my conversation with Stalin yesterday, I also took up the question of transit supplies to China through Soviet territory. I stated that my Government felt that it was highly important that China as one of the United Nations should continue in the war but that unless it was able to obtain military supplies from the outside, it would be unable to continue the struggle. I stated that the United States was now flying supplies and munitions into China, that these apparently were not adequate, that Chinese Government desired to obtain supplies either through Iran or Karachi and that eventually these supplies would have to be carried on railroads through Soviet territory.
In answer to Stalin’s question as to exactly what supplies were involved, I stated that I was unable to give him any details, that these would have to be given by the Chinese. I added that my Government was particularly concerned in having him give sympathetic consideration to the Chinese requests for transit facilities and I was given the impression that he would do so.