800.6363/6–2945: Telegram

No. 621
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State ad interim
[Extracts]
secret

2320. Urtel 1120, May 22; Emtel 1974, June 8.1

Soviet output of crude oil without natural gas is estimated to have fallen from 31.1 million metric tons in 1940 to approximately 21.5 million in 1945. Chief factors in drop were sharp fall off in Baku output due to almost complete lack of new drilling there during war, German devastation of Maikop Field and large part of Grozny Field, and drop in output of largest non-Caucasus Field in Bashkiria.

. . . . . . .

Because of fall off in domestic production as compared with prewar level, it is concluded that USSR will not be in a position to export petroleum in immediate postwar period except in limited quantities, for specific purposes, and at some sacrifice to internal economic programs. In addition USSR will probably endeavor to maintain control of petroleum production in Soviet occupied areas of eastern Europe.

. . . . . . .

Harriman
  1. Neither printed.