861.24/1720: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union ( Harriman ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 16—4 p.m.]
138. For Hopkins. Your 62, January 12, 11 p.m. I am glad to learn that the Soviets can be supplied with additional aluminum. As I reported in my talk with Mikoyan and subsequent talk by Spalding28 with Krutikov29 it was indicated that with additional aluminum shipments above the Protocol the Soviets could increase their aircraft production as they could themselves increase production of the other components. I would appreciate being advised the additional tonnage of aluminum and Duralumin that it is now planned to ship. The Military Mission and I will keep in touch with the Soviet officials and attempt to ascertain how much additional production of aircraft results. I believe we can at least get some general information on this subject which I assume will be of value in connection with consideration of aircraft allocations for the Fourth Protocol.30 It would be useful also to be advised when there is any change in the nickel situation.
No one is or has been more anxious than I to get to the Soviets all of their requirements but I must report to you that we have definite information that the Soviets have over-ordered on the few items we have been allowed to check and I can see no reason why we should deprive ourselves of urgent requirements unless we are reasonably satisfied that the supplies are put to good use here. We require the most exhaustive studies from our own and British sources and as a result waste has been substantially reduced. Now that the military crisis in Russia is passed and the volume of our shipments is attaining such tremendous proportions I see no reason why reasonable supporting evidence at least should not be expected from the Soviets.
[Page 1040]In addition to aluminum and nickel we have been requested to obtain information on alcohol, electrolytic copper bars, and heavy tires. I do not interpret your cable to cancel these requests. In our contacts with the Soviets we have not been refused information, in fact we have been promised it, although only a little information has as yet been forthcoming. I am satisfied that if we are firm we will obtain more useful information and the pressure we are exercising will undoubtedly have the effect of making the Soviets analyze their requirements more carefully than I believe they have been doing to date.
We are at present insisting that our cargoes in the north be handled with at least ordinary care. Reports from our representative as to breakage due to carelessness in unloading and pilferage are startling.
The Soviet Government is allowing us to see more and more and if you will support us I am satisfied that a reasonable job can be done to protect American interests without creating any strain in our relations here, in fact I am sure that they will respect us more.
- Brig. Gen. Sidney P. Spalding, Chief, Supply Division, U.S. Military Mission in the Soviet Union.↩
- Alexey Dmitriyevich Krutikov, First Assistant People’s Commissar for Foreign Trade of the Soviet Union, responsible for coordinating transportation of lend-lease supplies.↩
- For year beginning July 1, 1944.↩