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  4. Document 513

893.24/1456: Telegram

The Chargé in the Soviet Union ( Henderson ) to the Secretary of State

Kuibyshev , October 24, 1942—noon.
[Received October 25—4 p.m.]

928. Embassy’s 369, September 22, 5 p.m. and 842, October 2, 3 p.m. The following information relating to recent developments in the matter of sending supplies through the Soviet Union to China has been obtained from the Chinese and British Embassies:

1.
The Chinese Ambassador went to Moscow several days ago for the purpose of engaging in conversations with regard to this matter. The delay in the initiation of these conversations has been in part due to
(a)
the desire of the Chinese Government to ascertain before making commitments that it possesses the facilities sufficient to transport merchandise which it might promise the Soviet Union or which it might receive through the Soviet Union between Hami, the city now decided upon as the place of exchange, and other points in China, and
(b)
the indecision of the Chinese Government [as to whether it?] should request at this time that the proposed agreement contain promises for progressive increases in the volume of supplies to be shipped across Soviet territory to China.
2.
Floods have so damaged the Quetta and Zahidan [road?] that it cannot be repaired to permit operation until near the end of December. Since the routes from Persian Gulf ports to Ashkhabad are already overloaded with supplies destined for the Soviet Union, it would appear that little merchandise for China will pass through Ashkhabad before the beginning of the new year. Even after repairs have been made, not more than 500 tons monthly can be carried on the route between Karachi and Ashkhabad until considerable development work has been completed. The speed of this development seems to depend upon British willingness and ability to contribute labor, materials, trucks, et cetera.
3.
It would appear that the Soviet Government is expecting the British Government furthermore to furnish trucks and spare parts for the haul between Alma Ata and Hami, it might take some time for these trucks [to be put into?] operation. It has not been decided whether the British or the Russians will serve the stretch between Meshed and Ashkhabad.

Henderson