861.24/1295c: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley)

109. The following message from Stettinius is for Faymonville. According to information given by the Russian Purchasing Commission, further shipments of M4A2 and M3Al tanks will not be made. [Page 748] In a reply which has been sent to the Commission it is stated that it is now our understanding that the USSR, during the period covered by the Second Protocol, does not expect that any additional tanks will be furnished, and that accordingly corresponding steps are being taken to curtail production. It is also necessary in order that future production plans may be made that, as soon as practicable, information be requested as to whether, during the Third Protocol, any tanks will be desired. According to the Ordnance Department it is of great urgency that a statement of future requirements of tanks be obtained. This is necessary in order to provide the least possible disruption to production lines, with its attendant general dislocation of production, and unemployment. This information has been given to the Commission. We hope that everything possible will be done as speedily as possible in order to clarify future requirements. [Stettinius.]

Berle