861.24/988a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley)
188. From McCabe for Faymonville. Mr. Hopkins has directed Brigadier General S. P. Spalding to undertake a survey of the supply route to Russia by way of the Persian Gulf for the purpose of ascertaining whether everything possible is being done to improve transport facilities and to make certain that material to be delivered under the second Protocol will be forwarded as promptly and as efficiently as possible. General Spalding has been instructed to make recommendations for improvement and to make full report after return to United States. It is desirable that General Spalding confer in Iran with Soviet authorities there and inspect those portions of the route [Page 714] under Soviet control, including port, road and rail facilities, in order that he will be able to make certain that the project is synchronized in all its phases and be in a position to recommend the furnishing by the United States of necessary facilities and equipment.
It would be most helpful if you could arrange to meet General Spalding at some convenient location, possibly at Tehran, in order that you may be mutually informed regarding the situation. We are requesting General Belyaev’s cooperation in facilitating the mission of General Spalding. [McCabe.]