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

861.24/1410: Telegram

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

Moscow, April 24, 1943—8 p.m.
[Received 9:50 p.m.]

348. To Hopkins⁹⁰ from Burns.⁹¹ Admiral Standley and I called on Molotov; later Faymonville and I called on Mikoyan. Both officials expressed deep appreciation for aid which United States is sending to Soviet Union. Mikoyan greatly regrets closing of northern route as the cargo en route especially aviation fuel is urgently needed here and strategic plans have been drafted which depend upon the availability of this fuel. To compensate for loss of northern ports Mikoyan believes that trans-Pacific route should be used to greater extent. He, therefore, especially requests that the United States transfer to Soviet registry 6 or 7 tankers and 20 cargo ships in addition to those already promised. [Burns.]

Standley

90. Harry L. Hopkins, Special Assistant to President Roosevelt and Chairman of the President’s Soviet Protocol Committee.
91. Maj. Gen James H. Burns, Executive, Munitions Assignments Board, United States and Great Britain, Washington; temporarily visiting in the Soviet Union.