861.24/794: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
Kuibyshev (Moscow), January 10, 1942—1 p.m.
[Received January 11—3:10 a.m.]
[Received January 11—3:10 a.m.]
35. The views and suggestions contained in the Department’s 1189, November 5, 11 p.m.,44 were set forth in a note to the Foreign Office dated November 13.
A reply to that note dated January 9 has just been received which states:
- (1)
- That the negotiations begun several months ago between Amtorg and the American firms regarding oil refining plants have proceeded slowly for reasons other than those stated by the Embassy.
- (2)
- Amtorg provided the American firms with the technical data necessary for the conclusion of contracts for the supply of the plants. Further details could be provided as the negotiations progressed.
- (3)
- The plants which Amtorg has negotiated for are not experimental and are used by American industry. Therefore the American firms are “not vague” with respect to planning and manufacture of such plants.
- (4)
- The despatch to the Soviet Union of an American refinery technologist to study conditions as well as of an engineer to obtain information concerning field erection, etc., not only would not hasten the conclusion of contracts between the American firms and Soviet purchasing organizations but, on the contrary, would cause long delay; and,
- (5)
- In view of the foregoing it is assumed that the American firms can quickly conclude contracts with the Soviet purchasing organization for the supply of the plants without additional investigation at the places intended for the location of identical plants.
Thurston