Moscow Embassy Files: Lot F–96
The People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union (Molotov) to the Second Secretary of the American Embassy in the Soviet Union (Thompson)
Esteemed Mr. Thompson: I inform you herewith of the following message from Premier I. V. Stalin for President Mr. Franklin D. Roosevelt:
“From Premier Stalin to the President of the U. S. A. Roosevelt.
“I have received your message of October 16. My answer has been delayed since matters concerning the front have distracted my attention. Now the only thing that matters is that the cargoes which you have promised should arrive in the U. S. S. R. within the prescribed period.
19 October 1942”
This message has been cabled to Mr. Litvinov for transmission to Mr. Franklin D. Roosevelt.
I beg you [etc.]