Office of the Historian

Moscow Embassy Files: Lot F–96

The American Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley) to the People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union (Molotov)

No. L–16
Moscow, October 16, 1942.

Excellency: I have the honor to inform you that I have been directed to transmit the following message from the President of the United States to Premier Stalin:

“I am glad to inform you, in response to your request, that the items involved can be made available for shipment as follows:

  • “Wheat; two million short tons during the remainder of the protocol year at approximately equal monthly rates.
  • “Trucks; 8000 to 10000 per month.
  • “Explosives; 4000 short tons in November and 5000 tons per
  • month thereafter.
  • “Meat; 15000 tons per month.
  • “Canned Meat; 10000 tons per month.
  • “Lard; 12000 tons per month.
  • “Soap Stock; 5000 tons per month.
  • “Vegetable Oil; 10000 tons per month.

“I will advise you at an early date of the aluminum shipments which I am still exploring.

“I have given orders that no effort be spared to keep our routes fully supplied with ships and cargo in conformity with your desires as to priorities on our commitments to you.”

Accept [etc.]

For the Ambassador:
Llewellyn E. Thompson, Jr.

Secretary of Embassy