811.79661/71: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 9—11:45 a.m.]
616. My 446, May 14, 1 p.m. While in Washington last fall I discussed with Bureau of Aeronautics a plan to provide me with a suitably equipped plane for my personal use in the Soviet Union and I was given to understand that such a plane would be furnished me if permission as to its use was obtained from the Soviet Government. In the course of my recent conversations with Stalin (my 605 [608], June 5, 2 p.m.76) I requested and I received permission to bring in and base in Moscow a private plane. The Navy Department has now informed me that the plane will be ready to depart presumably via Siberia about June 15. The Naval Attaché is requesting information regarding its characteristics, crew list, etc.
The Department may wish to utilize this plane to send here my Counselor or other members of the Embassy staff now ready to travel. If Sulzberger desires to travel via the Alsib route, please offer him the facilities of the plane.
I consider Stalin’s granting me permission to base a private plane here as a real concession and one that may greatly assist in the establishment of better air communications between the two countries.
- Not printed.↩