Moscow Embassy Files: Lot F–96
The People’s Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union (Molotov) to the American Chargé in the Soviet Union (Henderson)
Esteemed Mr. Henderson: I inform you herewith of the message from Premier I. V. Stalin to President Franklin D. Roosevelt set forth below:
“Personal and Secret message from Premier Stalin to President Roosevelt.
“I thank you for your message received November 27.7 Your successes in the area of the Solomon Islands and such a powerful growth of your forces in the Southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean please me.
“Being convinced that the Germans will be quickly driven out of North Africa, I hope that this will serve for the development of offensive operations of the Allies in Europe. The intensive bombardments of Italy referred to by you will certainly be of great importance.
“In the Stalingrad operations we have obtained significant successes and it should be taken into consideration that the snowfall and clouds which have prevented the German Aviation from developing its forces have aided not a little.
“We have decided also to undertake operations on the Central Front in order to prevent the enemy from transferring his forces to the South.
“Accept my hearty greetings and best wishes for the American armed forces.”
I have telegraphed the message indicated to Mr. Litvinov for transmittal to Mr. Franklin D. Roosevelt.
I beg you [etc.]