Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1943, The British Commonwealth, Eastern Europe, the Far East, Volume III

103.9168/784: Telegram

The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Hamilton) to the Secretary of State

Moscow, October 5, 1943—1 p.m.
[Received October 6—8 p.m.]

1534. From Faymonville to Stettinius.

1. Following comments refer to cable from you and Douglas⁶² on morale of American seamen in north Russian ports.

2. Principal causes of discontent are desire for additional personal privileges, difficulties in procuring food and clothing and uncertainty as to length of stay in Russian waters.

3. Seamen have one-day shore privileges and those on good conduct can obtain privileges as often as every other day. Russians have provided a club and shore entertainment which although limited exceeds the amount of entertain[ment] provided for Russian population. Privileges to seamen are extended by ships’ masters under general supervision of Assistant Naval Attaché and Soviet authorities limit privileges only by general police regulations. I believe that all practicable privileges are being extended to seamen and recommend no change in system.

4. As to clothing much has been worn out during 9 months since departure from home ports. Additional clothing has been furnished from ships’ stores which are now low. Under direction of Assistant Naval Attaché additional clothing has been furnished from stocks of survivors’ reserve. I recommend no change. Food has been drawn from ships’ stores which have been much depleted. Food also furnished under direction of Soviet naval authorities in amounts which correspond generally to amounts furnished vessels of Red navy. I have stated [to the Commissar of?] Foreign Trade that amounts furnished from Soviet sources are considered inadequate and have asked for improvement in supply of fresh vegetables, meats, milk and sugar. I have also asked for increased supplies toilet articles and soap. Commissar has promised improve supply wherever possible and has increased supply of fresh vegetables. To meet immediate needs Major Kangas⁶³ has taken to northern ports all available toilet articles in American Supply Mission but amount is inadequate to satisfy requirements.

5. Food and other American stocks for survivors are now north bound from Persian Gulf to Archangel and if necessary can be diverted by Naval Attaché for seamen’s use. I recommend that this matter remain in hands of Naval Attaché.

6. Although I expect an improvement in variety and amount of food furnished to American seamen from Soviet sources I do not believe Soviet naval authorities will permit conspicuous disparity between levels of supplies furnished from Soviet sources to American seamen and food supplies furnished to Soviet naval crews. When, however, food received from Soviet sources is supplemented by American imported food from survivors’ stores and from naval sources the subsistence level of our crews is so high that complaints are not warranted.

6. Uncertainty as to length of stay is unavoidable and no departure date should be announced until firm decision has been reached to withdraw. Change of crews has been suggested but this seems impracticable and is not recommended. Only return of ships to American waters will clear up all causes of discontent and meanwhile I shall seek assistance of Soviet Commissariats whenever required. [Faymonville.]

Hamilton

62. Lewis W. Douglas, Deputy War Shipping Administrator.
63. Maj. Oliver J. Kangas, member of the Supply Division of the American Military Mission in the Soviet Union.