740.0011 European War 1939/30817: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 22—noon.]
1134. I visited Stalingrad yesterday with various members of my staff. My party was met at the airfield by the mayor of city and high local and military authorities who personally conducted us through the razed city and explained the outstanding points of interest. The majority of municipal buildings, dwellings, means of communications were in general, reduced to piles of rubble, the Stalingrad tractor (tank) factory was completely ruined, in fact the city was in far worse condition than I had expected to find it and it is hard to believe that it will be possible to rebuild it at least at present rate for many years. Reconstruction and rehabilitation had been initiated but I was not impressed at progress made except in clearing streets. Very little attempt had been made to house the population which now numbers 200,000 and suffering will surely be great this coming winter. There appeared to be sufficient foodstuffs in city and I was told that considerable quantities of American supplies had been sent there. I saw one truck filled with crates of American canned meat products.
An informal lunch had been arranged at which toast[s] were offered to the President, Churchill and Stalin, American people and Soviet-American friendship and collaboration now and after war. Atmosphere of entire visit was very friendly and I sensed feeling of real appreciation of our contributions of foodstuffs and other supplies to the population. The American Army and military successes in Sicily were toasted, no reference made to second front.
I was deeply impressed at what I saw in heroic city which in my mind will always remain as a testimonial of courage and unflinching tenacity in face of terrible sufferings and hardships, of the Russian Army and people in their war against German invaders.
Dr. Michael66 remained in Stalingrad where he hopes to make extended tour of area and return by train.
- Louis G. Michael, Agricultural Attaché of the American Embassy in the Soviet Union.↩