861.24/1581: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley)
Washington, July
25, 1943—5 p.m.
601. From Stettinius for Faymonville.
- 1.
- Secretary of State July 23 delivered reply to Soviet Embassy incorporating answers to questions similar to those Krutikov gave you. This is with reference to your 854, July 14, 4 p.m.
- [Here follows summary of the memorandum of July 23 to the Soviet Embassy, printed supra.]
- 2.
- The following is for your information: The Atlantic commitment remains general and is not allocated as between the Persian Gulf route and the northern route. Specific commitment for northern route is prevented by convoy problems. United States and British intend to use Persian Gulf capacity fully as reported monthly by General Connolly. Subsequent shipments may increase above commitments if opportunity permits but commitments cannot presently be based on expectations which may prove overly optimistic. Vessels from Pacific route may have to use some part of Persian Gulf capacity during period of freezing of straits or if other hindrances develop and it should also be borne in mind that Persian Gulf may have to carry majority of Atlantic commitment if convoy difficulties again arise as seriously as last season. [Stettinius.]
Hull