HC Deb 21 March 1940 vol 358 cc2119-20
64. Lord Apsley

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what information he has as to the increased traffic in Army oil and other war materials from the United States of America to Russia via Vladivostock; and what steps he is taking to ensure that none of this war material is passed on to Germany?

The Minister of Economic Warfare (Mr. Cross)

I understand that Soviet purchases of oil in the United States during the year ended 1st March, although much above 1938 figures, are not in excess of quantities imported in some previous years. There is, however, evidence of large Soviet purchases from the United States of America of other war materials, especially of copper, and this question is receiving the constant attention of His Majesty's Government.