740.0011 European War 1939/25648: Telegram
The Second Secretary of Embassy in the Soviet Union (Thompson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 15—12:10 a.m.]
459. Moscow’s 449, November 11th.61 Today’s Moscow press-published a letter from Stalin to the Moscow representative of the Associated Press setting forth the Soviet attitude to the new front in Africa.62 The following is a translation which the Associated Press states has been authorized:
“Dear Mr. Cassidy:
I am answering your questions which reached me on November 12. Question 1. What is the Soviet view of the Allied campaign in Africa?
Answer. The Soviet view of this campaign is that it represents an outstanding fact of major importance demonstrating the growing might of the armed forces of the Allies and opening the prospect of disintegration of the Italo-German coalition in the nearest future.
The campaign in Africa refutes once more the sceptics who affirm that the Anglo-American leaders are not capable of organizing a serious war campaign. There can be no doubt that no one but first rate organizers could carry put such serious war operations as the successful landings in North Africa across the ocean, as the quick occupation of harbors and wade territories from Casablanca to Bougie and as the smashing of the Italo-German Armies in the western desert, being effected so masterfully.
Question 2. How effective has this campaign been in relieving pressure on the Soviet Union and what further aid does the Soviet Union await?
Answer. It is yet too soon to say to what extent this campaign has been effective in relieving immediate pressure on the Soviet Union. But it may be confidently said that the effect will not be a small one and that a certain relief of pressure on the Soviet Union will result in the nearest future.
But that is not the only thing that matters. What matters first of all is that since the campaign in Africa means that the initiative has passed into the hands of our Allies the campaign changes radically the political and war situation in Europe in favor of the Anglo-Soviet-American coalition. That campaign undermines the prestige of Hitlerite Germany as the leading force in the system of Axis Powers and demoralizes Hitler’s allies in Europe. That campaign releases France from her state of lethargy, mobilizes the anti-Hitler forces of France and provides a basis for building up the anti-Hitlerite French Army. That campaign creates conditions for putting Italy out of commission and for isolating Hitlerite Germany. Finally, that campaign creates prerequisites for the establishment of a second front in Europe nearer to Germany’s vital centers which [Page 479] will be of decisive importance for organizing victory over Hitlerite tyranny.
Question 3. What possibility is there of Soviet offensive power in the east joining the Allies in the west to hasten filial victory?
Answer. There need be no doubt that the Red Army will fulfill its task with honor as it has been fulfilling it throughout.”