Moscow, November 13, 1942

Information Bulletin, Embassy of the U.S.S.R., November 13, 1942.

On November 12, Henry Cassidy, Moscow Correspondent of the Associated Press, addressed to the Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR Stalin a letter requesting him to answer three questions in which the American public was interested. Mr. Stalin answered Mr. Cassidy with the following letter:

Dear Mr. Cassidy:

I am answering your questions which reached me on November 12.

One: "What is the Soviet view of the Allied campaign in Africa?"

Answer: The Soviet view of this campaign is that it represents an outstanding fact of major importance demonstrating the growing might of the armed forces of the Allies and opening the prospect of the disintegration of the Italo-German coalition in the nearest future. The campaign in Africa refutes once more the skeptics who affirm that the Anglo-American leaders are not capable of organizing a serious war campaign. There can be no doubt that no one but first-rate organizers could carry out such serious war operations as the successful landings in North Africa across the ocean, as the quick occupation of harbors and wide territories from Casablanca to Bougie, and as the smashing of Italo-German armies in the western desert being effected with such mastery.

Two: "How effective has this campaign been in relieving the pressure on the Soviet Union, and what further aid does the Soviet Union await?"

Answer: It is yet too soon to say to what extent this campaign has been effective in relieving immediate pressure on the Soviet Union. But it may be confidently said that the effect will not be a small one and that a certain relief in pressure on the Soviet Union will result in the nearest future.

But that is not the only thing that matters. What matters first of all is that, since the campaign in Africa means that the initiative has passed into the hands of our Allies, the campaign changes radically the political and war situation in Europe in favor of the Anglo-Soviet-American coalition. The campaign undermines the prestige of Hitlerite Germany as a leading force in the system of Axis powers and demoralizes Hitler's allies in Europe. The campaign releases France from her state of lethargy, mobilizes the anti-Hitler forces of France and provides the basis for building up of an anti-Hitler French Army. The campaign creates conditions for putting Italy out of commission and for isolating Hitlerite Germany. Finally, the campaign creates the prerequisites for the establishment of a second front in Europe nearer to Germany's vital centers, which will be of decisive importance for organizing victory over the Hitlerite tyranny.

Three: "What possibility is there of Soviet offensive power in the East joining the Allies in the West to hasten final victory?"

Answer: There need be no doubt that the Red Army will fulfill its task with honor as it has been fulfilling it throughout the war.

With respect,
J. STALIN
November 13, 1942