OIL RESOURCES IN

EASTERN EUROPE AND

THE CAUCASUS

British Documents 1885-1978

VOLUME 4

1939-1945

Edited by A.L.P. Bürde#

CAMBRIDGE ARCHIVE EDITIONS an imprint 0/

MM CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS

Contents

VOLUME 4 1939-19451

1 ROUMANIAN LEGISLATION AND REGULATION OF THE OIL 1 INDUSTRY, 1939-1944

1.1 New Roumanian oil laws 3

Despatch No. PW14/39 from Foreign Office to Sir Frederick W. Leith Ross, HM Treasury, 25 February 1939, referring to an officia1 complaint made by HM's Government on behalf of several oil companies to the government of Roumania [enclosures cited not included] [POWE 33/186]

Protocol between the United Kingdom and the Roumanian government, regarding Commercial and Economic Relations with Roumania, Cmd 6018, Bucharest, 11 May 1939 [POWE 33/186]

Letter from Col. H. Medlicott, Representative of Shell Group [?], who accompanied the British Trade Mission to Roumania, to Mr F.C. Starling, Petroleum Department, Board of Trade, 16 May 1939, concerning the sweeping powers of the State to exploit natural gas fields, as cited by the Unirea Oil Company [POWE 33/186]

Despatch No. 14, Pt. 3, from Mr F.C. Starling, Petroleum Department, Board of Trade, to Mr P.B.B. Nichols, Foreign Office, 26 May 1939, regarding British support for the companies [POWE 33/186]

Ministry of Power departmental minute, 1 August 1939, discussing progress on Roumanian Implementation of legislation [POWE 33/186]

Despatch No. 65 (E) from Mr R.H. Hoare, British Legation, Bucharest, to the Rt. Hon. Viscount Halifax, Foreign Secretary, 17 February 1940, reporting a new ruling, which centralises control of petroleum storage capacity within the Roumanian government [POWE 33/186]

Despatch No. 168 from Mr R.H. Hoare, British Legation, Bucharest, to the Rt. Hon. Viscount Halifax, Foreign Secretary, 6 May 1940, regarding the legal complexities of the Roumanian commercial code, aimed at

1 The emphasis during the Second World War was primarily on the allied defence of Russian and East European supplies and on plans to prevent their falling into Axis hands.

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preventing, in law at least, the establishment of German control over Roumanian oil companies (POWE 33/1867 Despatch from Mr E.A. Berthoud, British Legation, Bucharest, to HM Minister, 20 July 1940, reporting on a new regulation, 'Administrative Order regarding Geological and Technical Reports, enclosing a draft translation of the administrative Order published 11 June 1940 [POWE 33/186] Summary English translation of 'Expose des Motifs', presented by the Minister of National Economy, published in Moniteur de Petrole Roumain, 16 July 1942, which is an analysis of the new Roumanian oil law of 17 July 1942, refers to problems in previous legislation, advantages of the new law, its main aim of encouraging Exploration, notes which proven oil lands will revert to the State (POWE 33/186] Translations of two Swiss press articles reviewing the new Roumanian oil law, 19 August 1942 and 23 September 1942, commenting also on the decrease in production, other changes to the oil regime [POWE 33/186] Extract from Petroleum Press Service, December 1943, additional comments on new legislation [POWE 33/186] (Retyped) extract from the Petroleum Times, 11 December 1943, commenting on the difficulties of complying with some of the legislation [POWE 33/186]

Despatch No. PD.14.Pt.3 from Petroleum Department, to Lt. Col. J.S. Masterson, 8 February 1944, enclosing an English translation from Roumanian, of a Decree Law made in October 1943, which, in part, makes financial benefits applicable to firms controlled by Roumanians [POWE 33/186]

1.2 Joint Anglo-French plans to purchase oil from Roumania, partly to decrease supplies available to Germany, face increasing difficulties including problems in shipping cargoes to the UK and elsewhere in Allied territory, 1939-1940

Telegram No. 640 from Foreign Office to Sir E. Phipps, Paris, 17 September 1939, Instructions on approaching the Roumanian government to obtain oil supplies, to be conveyed to the French, together with reply, telegram No. 695, 22 September 1939 [POWE 33/1087]

Ministry of Power departmental minute, 2 October 1939 [POWE 33/1087]

Note of a meeting held on 16 October 1939 at the Petroleum Department, Board of Trade, London, with representatives of 'Mission des Petroles , 10 November 1939. Talks designed to arrive at a ioint Anglo-French approach in the purchase of Roumanian producta.

Contents vii

Discussion of French activities in Roumania from 1936, rates paid and methods, conclusion that the Roumanian selling price is 5 % higher than the world price; discussion of transport facilities [POWE 33/1087]

Text of Accord Franco-Roumain [in French]: meeting of French cabinet, 25 November 1939, under the chairmanship of M. Pineau, with three British representatives attending; a resume given by Mr Wenger on the recent negotiations held in Bucharest, French needs for various types of petroleum producta, and by-product of depriving Germans of Roumanian oil; much discussion on the nature of the Roumanian oil industry, with conclusions of the committee for further action, such as intensification of sales to France and England [POWE 33/1087]

Petroleum Department minute, 15 December 1939, commenting on the accord [POWE 33/1087]

Despatch No. 92 E.W. from Mr R H. Hoare, British Legation, Bucharest, to Mr R.H. Gross, Foreign Office, 15 December 1939, regarding the conclusions reached at a meeting attended by Messrs Bridgeman, Hall-Patch (Treasury) and M. Berthoud (British Legation, Bucharest), on difficulties in purchasing Roumanian oil, and forwarding the minutes of the meeting held at the French Embassy on 13 December 1939, covering the possible mearis of reducing exports of oil to Germany in favour of Anglo-French exports [POWE 33/1087]

Letter from Mr J.B. Aug. Kessler, London, to Sir Cecil Kisch, Petroleum Department, Board of Trade, 16 December 1939, forwards a Statement of trade-balance statistics for Roumania, and discusses Roumania's trade Position with Axis countries [POWE 33/1087]

Despatch from Mr S.D. Waley, Treasury, to Sir Orme Sargent, Foreign Office, 21 December 1939, reporting that a Roumanian official has a settlement plan for the outstanding oil questions with HM's Government [POWE 33/1087]

Despatch from Petroleum Department, Board of Trade, to Mr S.D. Waley, Treasury, 22 December 1939, commenting on the terms of a possible Roumanian settlement [enclosure cited not included] [POWE 33/1087]

Letter from Mr J.B. Aug. Kessler, London, to Sir Cecil Kisch, Petroleum Department, Board of Trade, 29 December 1939, forwards a note regarding the Franco-Roumanian agreement (Wenger contract), which explains why its terms allowed France to purchase Roumanian oil relatively cheaply [POWE 33/1087]

Extract from War Cabinet paper E.P.(E.W.)(39)12, Ministerial Committee on Economic Policy, Interdepartmental Committee on Economic Warfare, December 1939 [POWE 33/1087]

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Letter from Mr J.B. Aug. Kessler, London, to Sir Cecil Kisch, Petroleum Department, Board of Trade, 3 January 1940, enclosing two statements comparing unfavourably the sale of oil to various British firms as opposed to oil in the Franco-Roumanian Agreement [POWE 33/1087] Letter from Mr J.B. Aug. Kessler, London, to Sir Cecil Kisch, Petroleum Department, Board of Trade, 15 January 1940, forwarding 'Memorandum regarding division of the bürden of outside purchases, 13 January 1940, suggesting ways and means of dividing with the French the disposal of oil purchased on the 'outside market in Roumania', with a table of sellers and purchases [POWE 33/1087] Letter from Petroleum Department, Board of Trade, to M. Filhol, French Petroleum Mission, 16 January 1940, additional names of firms to boycott [POWE 33/1087] Petroleum Department memorandum, 'Anglo-French plans for purchase of Roumanian oil', undated, c. January 1940 [POWE 33/1087]

Letter from Mr J.B. Aug. Kessler, London, to Sir Cecil Kisch, Petroleum Department, Board of Trade, 17 January 1940, referring to difficulties in shipping oil from Caucasus ports, and forwarding 'Note on the Anglo-French Plans for Roumanian Oil', i.e. its diversion from Germany through mass purchase by Allied countries [POWE 33/1087]

Letter from Mr J.B. Aug. Kessler, London, to Sir Cecil Kisch, Petroleum Department, Board of Trade, 22 January 1940, commenting on French oil position [POWE 33/1087]

Letter No. S.250 from Ministry of Economic Warfare, London, to Sir Cecil Kisch, Petroleum Department, Board of Trade, 5 March 1940, enclosing copy of a letter from Stevinson, Hardy and Company, 26 February 1940, reporting that French firms were offering further oil to the UK, in short the market was flooded with Roumanian oil [POWE 33/1087]

Letter No. S250/22 from Mr M.R. Bridgeman, Ministry of Economic Warfare, London, to Sir Cecil Kisch, Petroleum Department, Board of Trade, 26 April 1940, problems with French programme, enclosing memorandum (Petroleum/M.E.W. No. 18) by MrG.D. Berthoud, British Legation, Bucharest, 20 April 1940, regarding petroleum statistics, Roumanian stocks, and French figures [POWE 33/1087]

Memorandum by Mr M.R. Bridgeman, Ministry of Economic Warfare, London, 21 April 1940, 'Pre-emptive Purchases of Romaniari Oil- Anglo-French Reparation' [POWE 33/1087]

Contents ix

Two letters from Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Company, London, to Mines Department, London, 25 and 26 April 1940, regarding Allied purchases of oil from Roumania and Estonia [POWE 33/1087]

Letter from Ministry of Economic Warfare, London, to HM Treasury, 27 April 1940, enclosing a copy of a letter to be sent to Monsieur Morand, Head of the French Economic Warfare Mission, requesting the French to respect blockade conditions [POWE 33/1087]

Letter from Mr A.F.L. Brayne, Petroleum Department, Board of Trade, to Mr M.R. Bridgeman, Ministry of Economic Warfare, London, 29 April 1940, regarding the delay by the French in taking oil from Roumania [POWE 33/1087]

Letter from Mr J.B. Aug. Kessler, London, to Sir Cecil Kisch, Petroleum Department, Board of Trade, 30 April 1940, relating an account of a meeting with Mr Wolters of Petrofina Concordia, lamenting the parlous State of the oil trade, the low scale of exports at present, impact of not being able to seil oil to Germany [POWE 33/1087]

Despatch from Mr G.D. Berthoud, British Legation, Bucharest, to Sir Cecü Kisch, Petroleum Department, Board of Trade, 7 May 1940, 'French policy in Roumania' [POWE 33/1087]

2. PLANS TO DENY OIL TO AXIS POWERS 127

2.1 Cabinet reviews of the vulnerability of oil supplies in eastern 129 Europe, November 1939-February 1940

Note No. J.I.C. (39) 26 by Cabinet Secretary to Joint Intelligence Sub-Committee of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, 6 November 1939, 'Russia: Vulnerability of oil supplies', encloses a copy of a letter from the Minister of Supply to Foreign Secretary, 31 October 1939 [CAB 104/259]

Letter from Ministry of Economic Warfare, London, to Secretary to Joint Intelligence Sub-Committee, 7 November 1939, regarding J.I.C. (39) 26, noting that students of the Defence College undertake a regulär review of a possible operation on the destruction of the Soviet wells north of the Caucasus, including their importance to the USSR, commenting on Soviet petroleum needs, with enclosure C: Memorandum by Wing Commander H. Walker, 7 November 1939, 'Comments on Ministry of Supply letter', details of the refineries, and the four aspects of vulnerability, for example pipelines discussed under transportation; distance tables; map with rough armotations depicting oilfields, pipelines [CAB 104/259]

Note on JIC paper (39) 26, C.O.S. (39) 113,7 November 1939, 'Vulnerability of Russian Oil Supplies', regarding the need to take

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into account the Turkish position; listd (A/B/D) of major refineries, and distance from either Turkey or Iran, with a sketch map, depicting location of pipelines, refineries and aerodromes [See Map 5 in the map box.] [CAB 104/259] Letter from War Office to Maj. A.N. Barnard, Secretary, Joint Intelligence Committee, 19 November 1939, encloses a revised draft of Annex I to JIC (39) 27 [CAB 104/259] Note No. J.I.C. (39) 29 (Revise) by Cabinet Secretary, to Joint Intelligence Sub-Committee of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, 21 November 1939, submitting: Annex 1:19/11/1939, revised Information on the vulnerability of Russian oil supplies, which reviews means of transport, vulnerability to air attack; Annex II: 20/11/2011, Minute by Maj. A.N. Barnard, to Maj. Cornwall-Jones, fCAB Letter from Ministry of Economic Warfare, London, to Maj. Cornwall-Jones, 16 February 1940, forwarding a paper on the opinion of the Joint Flanning Committee, plartning for an offensive against Russia, 14 February 1940, enclosing note and memoranda, 'Russia: production and distribution of oil' [CAB 104/259] 2.2 Initial planning for the desfcruction of South Russian oil 159

refineries, concessions etc., especially at Baku, during part of the period Russia was a belligerent, 1939-1940

Air Ministry minute, 17 November 1939, commenting on the position of various refining plants as potential targets, their vulnerability [See Maps 6 and 7 in the map box.] [AIR 9/138]

Secret cypher message No. X.340, from Air Ministry, to Air Ofiicer Commanding in Charge, HQ, RAF Middle East, 16 February 1940, with memorandum entitled "USSR various items" describing revision of priorities in Caucasian defence plan suggested, and "Black Sea Defences" with details of defence planning for Tiflis, Batoum Area, and topographical map

Secret cypher message No. X.39 from HQ RAF Middle East, to Air Ministry, 21 February 1940, commenting on plans to attack oil resources in the event of war with Russia, noting that 'oil supply Organisation in Caucasus is one of the first and most profitable objectives which should receive attention of Allies'; also considers conditions affecüns an oil attack [AIR 9/138]

Record of conversation between 'Plans 2' [department] and Mr Makhimoff, 15 March 1940, relating to Baku s position, with notes of observations at Baku's weather conditions [AIR 9/138]

Contents xi

Despatch from Intelligence Division, Naval Staff, Admiralty, to Wing Commander Bennett, Air Ministry, 18 March 1940, speculating on oü distribution after refineries are attacked [AIR 9/138]

Extract from Plan W.A. 106, 'General Information concerning the major oil refineries in the Caucasus', undated, regarding Baku [AIR 9/138]

Air Ministry minute 23 March 1940, regarding the oil refinery plants at Tuapse [AIR 9/138]

Air Ministry minute to Plan 2,26 March 1940 [AIR 9/138]

Air Ministry minute, 27 March 1940, relating an extract from Chiefs of Staff Committee meeting of 26 March 1940, reviewing a possible air attack on Caucasian oilfields [AIR 9/138]

Air Ministry minute, 28 March 1940, regarding plan W.A. 106 [AIR 9/138]

Air Ministry minute, 28 March 1940, with further considerations of a possible operation against the sources of Russian oil supplies in the Caucasus [AIR 9/138]

Air Ministry minute, 28 March 1940, detailing Russian oil needs [AIR 9/138]

Despatch from Air Commodore J.C. Slessor, Director of Plans, Air Ministry, to Maj.-Gen. H.L. Ismay, War Cabinet, 31 March 1940, concerning procedure for a possible attack on Caucasian oil fields [AIR 9/138]

2.3 Strategie objectives and detailed plaxming for the bombing 197 of Baku, April 1940

Memorandum from Plans Staff, Air Ministry, to Chief of Air Staff, 2 April 1940, detailed account of Plan W.A. 106, 'Appreciation on the attack of the Russian Oil Industry'. The document consists of a review - aims and justification, noting extent of the industry; and Russia's dependence on it (Russia it was claimed use four million tons of oil for its agricultural work alone); mainly the destruetion of Baku, seen as 'the most important refinery in Russia' (if not the world); estimate of the strength of an attack required to have an impact, with appendices:

Target list R.I.: List of oil objectives in the Caucasus Appendix A: Table of oil produetion and refining in the USSR in 1939 Appendix B: Map of Baku oil area, depicting congested oil fields Appendix C: Aerodromes and landing grounds within 600 miles of

Baku Appendix D: Table ofdistances of Russian oil objectives in the Caucasus

from bases in Syria, Iraq, Iran and Turkey (not reproduced here)

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Appendix E: Calculation of effort required to destroy the refineries at Baku, Grozny and Batum

Appendix F: Oil refineries at Baku, Grozny, Batum, Tzapee and Makhach Kala

Appendix G: Diagram of railways and pipelines in the Caucasus Appendix H: Oil Refineries Black Town and White Town - Baku

USSR (Illustration S.R. 3/6) Appendix X Oil refineries and tank farms Appendix Y: Method of attack on refineries and tank farms Appendix Z: Extract from reports on the attack of oil plants in Poland,

Spain and China [AIR 9/138] Despatch from Intelligence Division, Admiralty, to Wing Commander Bennett, 2 April 1940, commenting on effective Interruption to Baku oil [AIR 9/138] Extracts from the 79lh Conclusions of War Cabinet Meeting of 2 April 1940, discussing the German oil supplies, 3 April 1940

Minute by Flying Officer Herbert, 3 April 1940, regarding Dr Harrison's visit to the Caucasus [AIR 943# Memorandum No. M.R. (J) (40) 37 by the French Representative for the Allied Military Committee, 4 April 1940, 'Study of a possible air attack on the Caucasian oil industry', notes the significance of the oil supply, objectives, calculations of bombings required, tactical features, probable enemy defences [AIR 9/138] Minute on Russian oilfields and refineries, c. 5 April 1940 [AIR 9/138]

Extract from 93rd Conclusions of War Cabinet meeting, 15 April 1940, as to possible Allied Operations in the Caucasus, 16 April 1940 &UR9/13#

Secret cipher message from HQ RAF Middle Fast, to Air Ministry, 20 April 1940, commenting on plan to attack oil resources in the Caucasus [AIR 9/138]

Minute by Director of Plans, 22 April 1940, 'Note on an air offensive against the Russian oil industry' [AIR 9/138]

Letter from Colonel Rosoy, Head of French Liaison Mission, Air Ministry, London, to Air Commodore J.C. Slessor, Director of Plans, Air Ministry, 7 May 1940, commenting on, and forwarding, 'Plan R.LP', relating to eventual air Operations against the Caucasian oil region ' (Baku, Grosni and Maikop fields), which notes the significance of the region; possible problems with refineries as air targets, but aims at hamper in g extraction, exportation of oil; detaüs of each of the targets, effort required for destruction. The following annexes have been included (not all):

Contents xiii

Annex II: Attack on Baku refineries, depicting different French and British estimates for various targets Annex II: Legend to map of Caucasus area Annex VI: Ground Organisation in the Caucasus, listing aerodrome

facilities by town [AIR 9/138]

Air Ministry minute, 20 May 1940, noting increased anti-aircraft activity 'all over Trans-Caucasia' [AIR 9/138]

Secret cipher message No. X.42, from Air Ministry, to HQ RAF Middle East, 26 May 1940, regarding specific tactics in bombing plans [AIR 9/138]

Secret Air Ministry minute, 30 May 1940, on the Russian oil industry in the Caucasus, encloses a detailed "Memorandum on the Russian Petroleum Industry in the Caucasus", by a British Petroleum engineer, its Organisation, producing regions, producing region of sub-section 1 in Azerbaijan, Grozny, comments on production since 1917 [AIR 9/138]

Air Ministry minute, no date (c. 30 May 1940), commenting on and criticising technical and specific aspects of air tactics outlined in Plan M.A.6 [AIR 9/138] 2.4 Evaluation of German presence in Roumania, 1940 305

Two telegrams Nos. 1295 and 1296 from Sir R. Hoare, Bucharest, to Foreign Office, 9 October 1940, referring to Information from Roumanian officials, that there was no German presence [FO 371/24994]

Draft memorandum, 11 October 1940, lines to take for the press and BBC [FO 371/24994]

POWE minute, 11 October 1940 [FO 371/24994]

Telegram No. 755 from Yugoslavia to Foreign Office, 13 October 1940, referring to Roumanian acceptance of a German delegation [FO 371/24994] Telegram No. 1352 from Sir R. Hoare, Bucharest, to Foreign Office, 15 October 1940, debating whether Germans were in Roumania [FO 371/24994] Telegram No. 1386 from Sir R. Hoare, Bucharest, to Foreign Office, 19 October 1940 [FO 371/24994] Telegram No. 1397 from Sir R. Hoare, Bucharest, to Foreign Office, 21 October 1940, reporting the arrival of German troops in the Ploesti area (oilfields) [FO 371/24994]

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Telegram No. 00176 from Belgrade to War Office, 27 October 1940 [FO 371/24994] Telegram No. 1512 from Sir R. Hoare, Bucharest, to Foreign Office, 4 November 1940, on arrival of extensive German troops [FO 371/24994] War Office minute, 12 November 1940, on the implications of German troops in Roumania [FO 371/24994] 2.5 Reviews of oil stocks and accessibility in Germany and

German-controlled territory, 1940-1941

Despatch from Signal Department, Admiralty, 18 January 1940, forwards an English translation of a German report entitled 'Germany and Petroleum', by Dr P. Rosin, an expert in fuel technology, now working in the UK,: potential imports from Roumania, commenting on Roumania's limited potential, transport networks for shipment of oil to Germany, including via the Danube. Supply to Germany from Russian sources, including Baku, Emba, Grozny, Maikop, in the context of petroleum's domestic importance to Russia, notes problems with production methods and vulnerability of the Caucasian oilfields as a Strategie factor, notes recent Russian progress to improve shipping; overall conclusions of the problem of oil sources for Germany, estimates current need of eight million tons [POWE 33/25] Letter from Mr J.B. Aug. Kessler, London, to Sir Cecil Kisch, Petroleum Department, Board of Trade, 5 September 1940, submitting his memorandum on the European oil position, consideration of the effects of war-time blockade, as imposed by the Allies, and compares predicted consumption versus available quantities for Germany, Italy 'for maintaining their war effort' [POWE 33/25]

Memo by Mr D.A.C. Dewdney, International Association (Petroleum Industry), 2 December 1940, 'Oil Situation of German controlled Europe, 1940-1941', estimates of consumption, projected demands and available sources, with a table listing needs by country [POWE 33/25]

Conclusions of an interdepartmental committee with numerous oil Company officials, 'The oil supply and demand position in Axis-controlled Europe, with special reference to air target priority', 31 March 1941 (amended 1 June 1941). Main focus of the committee is apparently the potential Output of Roumanian sources under German occupation, thus making the seven Roumanian refineries justifiably a key target for Allied bombing [along with bergius targets], the refineries of Ploesti, Campina, Brazi fields were involved. Paper includes much technical analysis of zonal consumption, etc. to work out which sectors of German industry would be most hit by oil denial, considers facilities at various plants, movements of supplies [POWE 33/25]

Contents xv

Mines Department minute, 25 May 1941, referring to the writer's memorandum on German 'synthetic' and domestic oil production. Minute discusses the origin of the paper and the sources used, and offers an opinion that the current German development plants programme is 'spectacular'. Encloses two extracts from the memorandum 'Home Production of Oil in Germany': 1 German Domestic Sources of Oil - Hydrogeneration 2 Natural oilfields [POWE 33/28]

2.6 Revised planning of bombing raids of the Caucasian oilfields, 373 June-August 1941

Secret cipher telegram No. A.275 from HQ RAF Middle East to Air Ministry, London, 7 July 1941, calculations on preparedness to launch 'Operation Raspberry' [AIR 9/138]

Telegram from HQ RAF Middle East, to Air Ministry, 13 June 1941, further Instructions on the need to review previous plan for an offensive on refineries of the Caucasus [AIR 9/138]

Circular telegram (Annex II) No. 130 from Chiefs of Staff, to Commander in Chief, India, to various commands, undated (c. 13 June 1941), conveying decision of Chiefs of Staff on effect of changing war Situation [AIR 9/138]

Telegram No. A.251 from HQ RAF Middle East, to Air Ministry, Whitehall (London), 14 June 1941, refers to a review of plan M.A.6, oil-denial plan [AIR 9/138]

Air Ministry minute, no date, c. 15 June 1941, commenting on M. Berthoud's despatch, enclosing despatch from Mr E.A. Berthoud, British Embassy, Cairo, to RAF Planning, Middle East, 13 June 1941, speculating on possible German occupation of the Caucasian oilfields, and attaching list of suggested priorities in a pre-emptive attack leading to oil-denial to the Axis powers, noting various difficulties in planning such an Operation (inabüity to be accurate in bombing from a high level) [draft telegram not included] [AIR 9/138]

2.7 War Cabinet Committee discussions on action relating to 387 Caucasian oilfields in 1941

Paper No. P.O.G. (41) 11,2 August 1941, circulating 'Notes by Mr Berthoud recorded on arrival in London from Moscow, 1/8/41', which refers to Caucasian oil, German petroleum Situation, British/Russian co-operation [CAB 104/259] Minutes of 4th meeting of Lord Hankey's Committee, held in London on 5 August 1941, at which Mr Berthoud was present, 6 August 1941 [CAB 104/259]

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Note No. C.A.S. (41) 190 by the Secretary, 7 August 1941, circulating paper by a Sub-Committee of Lord Hankey's Committee on 'Russian oil negotiations' [CAB 104/259] Extracts from War Cabinet Weekly Resume No. 103, of the Naval, Military and Air Situation, 14-21 August 1941, section on Soviet raids on Roumanian targets [CAB 66/18] Memorandum No. W.P. (41) 197 by Lord Hankey, 19 August 1941, 'Caucasian Oil', responding to Stalin s threat to order the destruction of the Caucasian oil industry [CAB 66/18] Memorandum No. W.P. (41) 224, by Lord Hankey, 19 September 1941, assessing American views, Annex I: US Declaration; Annex II: füll declaration by HMG on position should the Soviet government carry out the threat of deliberate destruction; Annex III: Draft telegram to Sir R.I. Campbell, Washington; and Annex IV: Instructions to Sir Stafford Gripps, HM Ambassador to Moscow [CAB 66/18] 2.8 October assessment of German supplies available, 1941 409

Note No. POG (L) 9 by Joint Secretaries circulated to the Committee on the Enemy Oil Position, 28 October 1941, regarding the report by the Russian government on Germany's supply of oil products with attached translation of a report by the Russian Commissariat of Foreign Trade, undated [c. November 1941], position as to Germany's supply of oil products [POWE 33/31]

Minute to the Secretary of State, November 1941, enclosing an updated report of the talks on the Caucasus (WO I93/636J

2.9 Background Information on current production and general 427 State of the Caucasian oilfields, December 1941

Mr W.L. Forster's diary of second visit to the Soviet Union, covering the period 25 November 1941 to 5 January 1942 (FO I8%/965/8J

Report on visit to refinery at Krasnodar, 7 December 1941, a brief account of a visit by Mr W.L. Forster, made at the invitation of the Soviet authorities, describing the process of dismantling equipment to prevent its being used by advancing German army [FO 181/965/8]

Memorandum by Mr W.L. Forster on visit to some of the oilfields of the 'Maineft Trust' (Apsheronskaya District), 9 December 1941, with a note of major personalities in the local Soviet oil administration [FO 181/965/8]

Gui&BootaW Gazeker b üzmwm aW NgzgWxxmng Ternfoneg, compiled by Mid-Asiatic Bureau, GHQ, MEF, December 1941. This intelligence

Contents xvii

survey includes an important summary of the industry, and is based on intelligence from a variety of sources, in addition to published reference works, it draws from the latest military and political reports, as well as 'special' reports. Relevant sections included which relate to the oil industry are: Chapter 1: General Description of the Area, with a map [See Map 8 in the map box.] Chapter 2: Historical sketch of the Caucasus, c. 1939-1940 Chapter 3: The Caucasus and Transcaucasia - section on shipping, and on the Caucasian oil industry, with historical overview, notes progress in production from 1920, and effect of Soviet Five Year Plan; includes a table which lists oil wells, location, name of industry pertaining, date of commencement of exploitation, and a detailed analysis of each region, e.g. the Grozny Basin; table of pipelines, with their length and capacity [FO 181/965/3]

2.10 Oil denial: outline plan for the destruction or immobilisation 481 of oil wells by Russia, in Russia and the Caucasus, July 1941

Memorandum by Maj. Colin Campbell, No. 1 Canadian Tunnelling Company, Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers, 23 July 1941 [forwarded by General McNaughton, GOC, Canadian troops] enclosing memorandum setting out possible methods, equipment required fWO 193/632]

Secret [War Office] Comments on the above plan, 30 July 1941 [WO 193/632]

War Office minute sheet, memorandum concerning technical suggestions, 11 August 1941 [WO 193/632]

2.11 Impact on defence planning of the Petroleum Mission to Russia, 489 sent to gauge Russian attitude to destruction of the Caucasian oilfields as part of oil denial to Axis powers, 1941

Note for Chiefs of Staff Committee meeting to be held on 24 June 1941, on J E (41) 478, 'action arising out of German-Russian conflicf [WO 193/636]

Telegram No. 143 ARFAR MOSSY, from Ministry of Economic Warfare, to Moscow, 9 July 1941, Instructions on lines to take in approaching Soviet talks [WO 193/656] War Office note, 10 July 1941, regarding General Ismay's minute, of 9 July, sent to members of Chief of Staff Committee for meeting planned on 11 July 1941, includes a section on Iran and oil, enclosing extract from telegram from the Government of India [WO 193/656]

Secret cipher telegram No. 77008 from War Office to Commander in Chief, Middle East, 9 July 1941, responses to numerous questions on Russian port capacities [WO 193/656]

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Secret cipher telegram No. GR/81925 from Commander in Chief, Middle East, to War Office, 15 July 1941, recommends that Caucasus and Armenian oil issues be the responsibility of the Oil mission; with reply secret cipher telegram No. 79456 from War Office, to Commander in Chief, Middle East, 22 Julyl941, replying to telegram of 15 July 1941 [WO 19&G56J Secret cipher telegram No. MIL113 from No. 30 Military Mission, Moscow, to War Office, 19 July 1941, recommending attacks on Ploesti [WO 193/656] Secret cipher telegram No. MIL 128 from No. 30 Military Mission, Moscow, to War Office, 20 July 1941, requesting detaüed maps (WO 19&656J Secret cipher telegram No. 10370/G from Commander in Chief, India, to War Office, 2 August 1941, effect on Iran if Caucasian oilfields were bombed [WO 193/656] Secret cipher telegram No. MIL 273 from No. 30 Military Mission, Moscow, to War Office, 4 August 1941, planning for an oil denial mission fWD 193/6567 Extracts from Chiefs of Staff committee meetings, 23 June, 2 July, 13 and 20 August 1941, consideration of increasing urgency of need to act on oil denial plans for the Caucasus in view of rapid German advances [WO 193/656]

Extract from War Office note, 24 June 1941, regarding the need to damage the oilfields by action from within before the Germans reach them lWO 193/656]

Secret cipher telegram No. MTL 755 from No. 30 Military Mission, Moscow, to War Office, 12 September 1941 [WO 193/656]

Secret telegram No. 1332 from Foreign Office to Moscow, 23 September 1941, Instructions to the Mission, refers to US position, British intentions to definitely bomb the oilfields, assurance required to be given to Soviet authorities in this event [WO 193/656]

Secret memorandum No. COS (41) 628 from the Chairman of the Committee on the Prevention of Oil Reaching Germany, to the Petroleum Mission to Russia, 15 October 1941 (WO I93/G56J

Secret cipher telegram from General Officer in Command, Iraq, to War Office, undated (c. 14-23 October 1941), on the evaluation of possible German thrust towards Baku [WO 193/656]

Telegram No. 23 from Foreign Office, to Kuibyshev (Military Mission),

Contents xix

23 October 1941, the Caucasus had now become one of the two main Russian fronts, implications for oil and its defence [WO 193/656]

Extract from 378th Chiefs of Staff Committee meeting held on 6 November 1941, troop movements to continue in oil denial plan [WO 193/656]

War Office note for meeting planned for December 1941, War Office comments on a report by the Mission regarding oil denial, 21 December 1941

2.12 Considerations in any air attack on Roumanian oil fields, 529 December 1941

Memorandum by T Branch, HQ RAF Middle East, 1 January 1942, consideration of the German oil position, in context of a planned attack, including oil from Roumania, as a factor; anti-aircraft and other defences in place on the ground at Ploesti, enclosing: Appendix A: chait depicting annual capacity of oil refineries in Roumania and target areas of the refineries; Appendix B: Defence of Ploesti, location of aerodromes, gun positions, etc., with its separate annex, 'Estimated initial effort (sustained bombing) required to stop production of refined products by destruction of one or more essential plants in each Roumanian refinery, 1 January 1942 Chart showing Air attack on Roumanian Oil, time required to bring production down to 1,000,000 [barreis] per annum Map of Ploesti oilfields area [AIR 23/951]

2.13 Change of policy in seeking oil denial via bombing the 547 Caucasus fields, January-July 1942

Cipher telegram No. 12 from Mr Antony Eden, Foreign Secretary, to Sir Stafford Gripps, HM Ambassador, Moscow, 2 January 1942, reporting that 30 Military Mission had requested no further denial plans were to be made, partly because of reprieve through success at Rostov [FO 181/965/8]

Secret cipher telegram No. 5 from Mr Antony Eden, Foreign Secretary, to Sir Stafford Gripps, HM Ambassador, Moscow, 2 January 1942, reporting current evacuation measures of various oilfields [FO 181/965/8]

Despatch from Office of the Minister of State, Cairo, to Mr Anthony Eden, Foreign Secretary, 12 January 1942, a summary of a report of Mr Forster's recent trip to Soviet Union in connection with the oil denial scheme, discussions with various Russian officers, State of refineries, observations of reconstruction, conveying Information to the Russians to aid in planning. Enclosures referred to not included [FO 181/965/8]

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Memorandum by Mr E.A. Berthoud, Office of Minister of State, Cairo, 3 March 1942, reporting on his visit to the Soviet Union, 6 January to 7 February 1942 [FO 181/965/8] Telegram No. 1115 from Mr Antony Eden, Foreign Secretary, to HM Embassy (Kuibyshev), 27 July 1942, regarding a possible meeting between Mr W.L. Forster and the Soviet authorities fFO 181/965/9J 2.14 Soviet supplies of oil via Persia (Iran) and Stalin s policy 559

position on oil denial, November 1941-Februaiy 1942

Aide memoire by the British Embassy, Kuibyshev, 21 November 1941, (apparently handed to Stalin) on the British desire to co-operate over Russian oil denial and supply, communicating a füll policy Statement [FO 181/971/2] Telegram No. MIL 2403 from No. 30 Mission Moscow, to Troopers, (transmitting message from Mr E.A. Berthoud to Foreign Office), 20 January 1942, refers to diminished risk in Caucasus, and Soviet Union turns its attention to securing oil from Iran [FO 181/971/2] Telegram No. MIL 2465 from No. 30 Mission Moscow to Troopers, (transmitting message from Mr E.A. Berthoud to Petroleum Department), 23 January 1942, on possible supply of Soviet oil to Iran (for British use) [FO 181/971/2]

Telegram No. 53 from Sir R.W. Bullard (HM Ambassador), Tehran, to HM Charge d'Affaires, 12 February 1942, attitude of the Soviet delegation in Tehran to oil supplies (FO 181/971/27

2.15 Renewed importance of the Roumanian oilfields, following 567 Germany's failure to seize the Caucasian oil areas, 1943-1944

Draft brief by Petroleum Department, 4 March 1943, reviewing the Output and potential of Roumanian oil interests in view of Germany's reliance on the area for one-third of its oil, noting targets for possible oil denial programme by the Allies [POWE 33/38]

Despatch No. A0.230/3 from Ministry of Economic Warfare, London, to Mr E.A. Berthoud, Ministry of Fuel and Power, 9 March 1943, forwards a copy of an oil questionnaire on Roumanian oil as distributed [POWE 33/38]

Despatch No. 7000 from Mr E.A. Berthoud, Ministry of Fuel and Power, to Mr W. Sefton Delmer, Political Warfare Executive, London, 11 March 1943, on Information regarding Roumanian oil works (note: no enclosure located) (POWE 33887

Despatch No. EGB/RO/3211/3 from Mr E.G. Boxshall, (?), to Mr E A Berthoud, Ministry of Fuel and Power, 12 April 1943, enclosing replies,

Contents xxi

in amplified form, from Istanbul to the questionnaire on Roumanian oil, on shortages, production methods, figures, routes used for exports, 29 March 1943 [POWE 33/38]

Despatch No. EGB/RO/3213/3 from Mr E.G. Boxshall, (?), to Mr E.A. Berthoud, Ministry of Fuel and Power, 12 April 1943, forwarding a further set of replies to the long questionnaire on Roumanian oil, concerning aspects of refining, shortages of materials, distribution issues, 31 March 1943 [POWE 33/38]

Departmental minute for Mr E.A. Berthoud, 16 April 1943, commenting on survey findings [POWE 33/38]

Minute for Mr E.A. Berthoud, 1 June 1943, entitled 'Notes on conditions in Roumania', forwards a compilation of extracts from Intelligence Reports relating to general conditions, restrictions on domestic consumption, general Sabotage throughout Axis Europe, acquired from the Enemy Oil Intelligence Committee, from 3 December 1941 to 2 August 1943 overall [POWE 33/38]

Despatch No. EGB/RO/260/3 from Mr E.G. Boxshall, (?), to Mr E.A. Berthoud, Ministry of Fuel and Power, 19 August 1943, forwarding Information on the Roumanian industry, specifically on exports, in tabular form, and with railway transport in Roumania [POWE 33/38]

Despatch No. A0.230/3/7 from Mr O. Thompson, Ministry of Economic Warfare, to Mr E.A. Berthoud, Ministry of Fuel and Power, 23 September 1943, enclosing the final version of a questionnaire on Roumanian oil, arising from the circumstance of the capitulation of Italy, and its effect on Germany's oil Situation [POWE 33/38]

Despatch from Mr E.A. Berthoud, Ministry of Fuel and Power, to Mr Sefton Delmer, Political Warfare Executive, London, 24 March 1944, recommending that the tenor of messages to Roumania now be based on resistance to German demolition of the oil industry [POWE 33/38]

3. Axis OIL POSITION 609

3.1 Appraisals of and interest in the Axis oil position, February- 611 December 1942:

Note No. COS (42) 143 by the Secretary, to the Chiefs of Staff Committee, 27 February 1942, circulating: Annex I: minute by Major D. Morton on 'Axis Oil Position', 23 February 1942 Annex II: Monthly Review of the Enemy European Oil Position, February 1942', 21 February 1942 [WO 193/632]

xxii Contents

Note on COS, (42) 143rd meeting, 27 February 1942 fWO 19^632] Secret cipher telegram No. MIL 3320 from No. 30 Military Mission, Moscow, to War Office, 1 March 1942, Soviet views on German consumption arid needs (WO 193/G32J Note, 3 March 1942, for Chiefs of Staff Committee meeting to be held on 4 March 1942,' Axis oil position' fWO 19&632J War Office note, 6 March 1942, enclosing comments on the Russian estimates, 5 March 1942 flW Z93/G327 Note for 102nd meeting of Chiefs of Staff Committee, to be held on 18 April 1942, 'Attack on Axis Oil Supplies' /WO 19#32J Note for 125th meeting of Chiefs of Staff Committee, to be held on 8 May 1942, 'Attack on Axis Oil Supplies' (WO 19^532] Extract from minutes of the 145* meeting of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, undated, agreement with the conclusions set out in Col. Stanley's report fWO 193/G32J 3.2 Appraisal of possible German plan for the development of

Caucasus oil supplies

Memorandum No. AO1904/2 by the Ministry of Economic Warfare, 25 April 1942, 'Cortsideration of the possible German plan for the development of the Petroleum resources of the Caucasus area', conclusions of areas likely to be developed, ways and means at German disposal, and detailed review of Output capable from areas such as Maikop field, Grozny, Baku, with appendices attached: Appendix I: Table showing estimated maximum production of crude oil Appendix II: Estimated maximum production of crude oil practicable from Maikop Appendix III: Estimated maximum production of crude oil practicable from Grozny and Daghestan Appendix IV: Estimated maximum production of crude oil practicable from Baku Appendix V: Weight in tons of drilling rigs and equipment estimated to be required at Maikop and Baku fWO 193/632J

War Office Minute to D.D.M.I. (I), 14 May 1942, regarding War Office memorandum on possible German Plan for the Development of the Petroleum Resources of the Caucasus Area, accepting broad conclusions (WO 193/632J

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Study by the Enemy Transport Department, Ministry of Economic Warfare, 15 May 1942, 'Capacity of Axis transport system for the conveyance of Russian crude oil from the Caucasus fields to Roumanian refineries and of the resultant refined products thence to destination', reviews the combined potential of all Axis powers, use of rail and ports, and shipping by river, noting obstacles [WO 193/632]

War Office minute to D.D.M.I. (I), 24 May 1942, commenting on the context of previous paper [WO 193/632]

Secret cipher telegram No. MIL 6546 from No. 30 Military Mission, Moscow, to War Office, 31 July 1942, lack of Information from Soviets [WO 193/632]

Telegram from Naval Staff Officer, Istanbul, to Director Naval Intelligence, 6 December 1942, intelligence concerning Roumanian oil production [WO 193/632]

3.3 Axis policy of oil denial

Intercept of an intelligence note, 6 November 1942, reporting an order given to the Luftflotte [sie] to destroy oil refineries at Baku by bombing [HW1/1060]

3.4 The Caucasus Expedition, 1942-1943

An account by a captured German officer, Major A.B. Gunther, after the war, of the German attempt to secure oil from the Caucasus fields. This paper is a selection of extracts of a larger work, and is translated from the German, exceptfor details on maps. The report focuses on technical Information concerning the oil fields and their operation, rather than the military aspect, although there are Strategie considerations. Extracts included are from the British introduetion, putting the issue into its military context in 1942, and referring to a major split of opinion among the German high command; the strong role of technicians in the oil industry as a factor in planning. The main account reviews Organisation from the summer of 1941, supplies and equipment. One map depicts the German advance in the Maikop Fields Area, August-December 1942. There is a brief review of plans, Operations, intelligence; timeline or 'sequence of events', June 1941-January 1943. A selection of photos is included: depicting device used to cap oil wells; spudding-in ceremony at Apsheronskaja Field, December 1942; scorched rigs (i.e. as left by departing Russians). Graph of production of Grozny fields, 1920-1940 Pie charts of USSR production and reserves [See Maps 9,10 and 11 in the map box.] [WO 252/1151]

xxiv CoMfenk

4. OIL DENIAL GOES AHEAD 4.1 Soviet destruction of plants and removal of material and

equipment from the Roumanian oilfields despite international protests, 1944-1945, leads to calls for determination of legal ownership

Secret cipher telegram No. RAG 16/939 ELFU 44 from British Military Mission, Roumania, to War Office, 3 December 1944, on the terms agreed by Russians to not remove further plant and pipelines (FO 371/485677 Secret cipher telegram No. RAG 665/939 ELFU 41 from British Military Mission, Roumania, to War Office, 28 December 1944, reporting that Russians continue to dismantle Ruat Plant, despite numerous British protests [FO 371/485677 Secret cipher telegram No. RAC 688/1261 NEC015 from British Military Mission, Roumania, to War Office, 29 December 1944, reporting that Russians have been ripping out Malaxa pipe matter, despite vigorous Roumanian protests fFO 372/485677 Top secret telegram No. RAC 17/923 from British Military Mission, Roumania, to War Office, 3 January 1945, observing that HMG and repräsentatives were powerless to stop Soviet seizures, reporting that besides equipment, Russians had seized 'the entire geological archives of Kontinentale Company in which British and American interests are creditors' 7F037%/%85677 Foreign Office minutes, 4 January 1945, referring to the Secretary of State's questioning why the British should continue to supply oil to the Soviets in light of their behaviour, possible recourse, with added notes, 5-6 January 1945 fFO 373/485677

4.2 Soviet response to protests at seizures, 1944-1945 699

Memorandum No. 60/860/44, by British Embassy, Moscow, 11 December 1944, outlining British position on grounds for protest as explained to the Soviet authorities [FO 371/48567]

Secret cipher telegram No. 51 from Mr Balfour, Moscow, to Foreign Office, 5 January 1945, summarising the reply of the Soviet government, that their position was justified by a memorandum of 30 November 1944 [FO 371/48567]

Foreign Office minutes, 5-25 January 1945, concerning Soviet action against oil companies in Roumania, on possible assistance from Britain, at least in terms of protecting firms' papers and archives 7?037%/48567f

Secret cipher telegram No. 285 from Foreign Office, to British Embassy, Washington, 10 January 1945, questions raised by the Soviet attitude [FO 371/48567]

687

689

Contents xxv

Foreign Office minutes, 12 January 1945, regarding telegram No. RAC 17/923,3 January 1945, assessing possible responses [FO 371/48567]

Secret cipher telegram No. RAC 79/939 from British Military Mission, Roumania, to War Office, 12 January 1945, pressures for Soviet authorities to have Astra sign release documents for their plant and materials seized [FO 371/48567]

Foreign Office minute, 18 January 1945, summarising British interests in oil companies operatmg in Roumania, summarising British appeals to the Soviets to desist in seizures [FO 371/48567]

Despatch from Mr M.R. Bridgeman, Ministry of Fuel and Power, Petroleum Division, to Mr I.T.M. Pink, Foreign Office, 26 January 1945, position of the Constantza-Cernavoda pipeline, enclosing a note on the subject, dated 27 January 1945 [sie] [FO 371/48567]

Secret cipher telegram No. RAC 241/924 from British Military Mission, Roumania, to War Office, 27 January 1945, Russian concerns with future Roumanian oil industry [FO 371/48567]

Foreign Office, Southern Department minute, 29 January 1945, analysis of Soviet claims that seizures were part of 'war booty* [FO 371/48567]

Circular telegram No. 178, from Dominions Office, to Canadian/ Australian/New Zealand and South African governments, 30 January 1945, on American agreement to protest [FO 371/48567]

Secret cipher telegram No. 64122 from War Office, to British Military Mission, Roumania, 30 January 1945, discussion with Shell Company [FO 371/48567]

Secret cipher telegram No. RAC 278/923 from British Military Mission, Roumania, to War Office, 2 February 1945, progress on dismantling of the Constantza-Cernavoda pipeline [FO 371/48567]

Extract from record of talks between Sir A. Clark Kerr and Mr Vyshinsky, 5 February 1945, regarding fate of seized equipment [FO 371/48567]

Note circulated to Soviet and US delegations at the Crimea Conference, on oil equipment in Roumania, no date [FO 371/48567]

Secret cipher telegram No. RAC 401/251 from British Military Mission, Roumania, to War Office, 16 February 1945, in two parts, difficulties facing Roumanian oil companies in view of materials carried away by Soviet authorities, especially removal of tubes, definitely not agreed to as 'war booty' [FO 371/48567]

xxvi Contents

Secret cipher telegram No. 629 from Sir A. Clark Kerr, Moscow, to Foreign Office, 1 March 1945, relaying the text of Soviet government's letter regarding the tubes and other oilfield equipment removed by Soviet authorities from Roumania [FO 371/48567] Telegram No. 155 FUEL NOCOP from Ministry of Fuel and Power, to British Embassy, Washington, 1 March 1945, as to the awkward position of the UK and USA in providing equipment for Soviet oil interests as part of the war effort, in light of removal of Roumanian plant and machinery [FO 371/48567] Telegram No. 21 from Foreign Office to British Embassy, Angora, 7 March 1945, referring to Soviet response to the note circulated by HM's Government at the Crimea conference, arguing that equipment removed was German and therefore not subject to debate, forwards report No. 1461 from the President of the Roumanian Armistice Commission, 20 January 1945, giving a complete list of the material removed (FO 37%/%4567? 4.3 Meetings of the Anglo-Soviet Oil Commission to determine

reparations and whether concessions and materials seized by Soviets in Roumanian oilfields were German-owned, April 1945-February 1946

Telegram No. 2027 from Foreign Office to British Embassy, Moscow, 23 April 1945, conveying text of a message received from the Allied Control Commission, Roumania, concerning looting at Unirea plant, Ploesti, and Russian attitude [FO 181/1004]

Letter No. RG(45)C.46 from Mr M. Turner, Allied Commission on Reparations, Moscow, to Mr E.L. Hall-Patch, Foreign Office, 12 July 1945, speculating on likelihood of obtaining Russian agreement to possible outcomes, especially for British companies, and suggesting disposal of Roumanian properties as most viable route for getting compensation, a course strengthened by apparent decline in the Roumanian oil production [FO 371/48581]

Telegram No. 534 from British Embassy, Washington, to Foreign Office, 14 July 1945, regarding State Departments Instructions on policy lines regarding removal of oil equipment [FO 181/1004]

Letter No. 398 from Mr G.F. Kennan, Charge d'Affaires, British Mission, Moscow, to the Hon. V.G. Dekanozov, People's Commissariat for Foreign Affairs, Moscow, 19 July 1945, expressing concems on behalf of the US government about Russian actions, and implications for world trade [FO 181/1004]

Minutes of the first meeting of the Anglo-Soviet Oil Committee held on 18 August 1945, the purpose of which had been agreed at Potsdam, and

Contents

which was to 'establish the materials removed by the Soviet authorities' [FO 371/48581]

Minutes of the second meeting of the Anglo-Russian Oil Commission held on 22 August 1945, chiefly establishing an agreed procedure [FO 371/48581]

Secret telegram No. 4741 from Foreign Office, to British Embassy, Moscow, 25 August 1945, an analysis of Russian attitudes at the first two meetings, tactics [FO 181/1004]

Record of the second meeting between Russian and American Representatives of the Technical Commission, Bucharest, 29 August 1945, regarding claims of US companies, such as Vacuum Oil Company, Romano-Americana, and the seizure of equipment by Soviet authorities [FO 371/48581]

Record of the third meeting between Russian and American Representatives on the Oil Commission, Bucharest, 6 September 1945 [FO 371/48581]

Minutes of third meeting of the Anglo-Soviet Oil Commission, held on 5 September 1945, disagreement over procedure, and Soviet complaints about lack of documentation about oil companies, with two enclosures: Note reference E.962,5 September 1945, Statement presented by the British delegation to the meeting in reply to the memorandum prepared by the Soviet Delegation after the second meeting of the Commission; Note reference E.962,5 September 1945, setting out the British government's view on the subject of publicity [FO 371/48581]

Memorandum by the Petroleum Department, Ministry of Fuel and Power, to Foreign Office, 5 September 1945, regarding Russian policy in Roumania [FO 181/1004] Telegram No. 908 from Mr Le Rougetel, Bucharest, to Foreign Office, 6 September 1945, reviewing results of the third meeting of the Anglo-Soviet Commission [FO 371/48581]

Telegram No. 949 from Mr Le Rougetel, Bucharest, to Foreign Office, 18 September 1945, reviewing talks at the fourth meeting of 18 September 1945 [FO 371/48581]

Minutes of the fourth meeting of the Anglo-Soviet Oil Commission, held on 18 September 1945 [FO 371/48581]

Minutes of the fifth meeting of the Anglo-Soviet Commission, held on 25 September 1945, relating additional details requested by Soviets, and effect on resolving issues [FO 371/48581]

xxviii Contents

Despatch from Mr F.C. Starling, Petroleum Department, Board of Trade, to Sir David Waley, HM Treasury, 29 September 1945, on the need to review possible imports from Roumania due to current shortages, while the entire Roumanian production was being taken by the Soviet Union [FO 371/48581] Minutes of the sixth meeting of the Anglo-Soviet Commission on Oil Equipment, held on 2 October 1945, concessions made to Russian demands for documents depicting ownership, but Soviets then imposed a new condition, that evidence must be taken away by the Soviet Representatives; includes detailed enquiries by Russian representative over exact percentage of British versus French Holdings in Steaua [FO 371/59120] Telegram No. 251 from British Embassy, Bucharest, to Foreign Office, 3 October 1945, summarising the issues discussed at the sixth meeting of the Anglo-Soviet Commission [FO 181/1004] Telegram No. 5362 from Foreign Office, to British Embassy, Moscow, 6 October 1945, conveying a message from the British Military Mission, Roumania, respecting the refusal of the Soviets to discuss the case of Steaua Romana [FO 181/1004] Minutes of the seventh meeting of the Anglo-Soviet Commission on Oil Equipment, 9 October 1945 [FO 371/59120]

Telegram No. 5525 from Foreign Office, to British Embassy, Moscow, 15 October 1945, referring to Soviet sabotaging of the Anglo-Soviet Commission meetings [FO 181/1004]

Minutes of the eighth meeting of the Anglo-Soviet Commission on Oil Equipment, held on 23 October 1945, despite supplying documented proof of ownership of equipment, the Soviet delegation then raised more issues, including the trustworthiness of people managing oil Company affairs [FO 371/59120]

Telegram No. 167 from Mr Le Rougetel, British Embassy, Bucharest, to Foreign Office, 4 February 1946, reporting that the Soviets still had not replied to the issue [FO 371/59120]

Telegram No. 220 from Mr Le Rougetel, British Embassy, Bucharest, to Foreign Office, 13 February 1946, summarising the results of the ninth plenary meeting of the Commission, at which the British had to assert considerable pressure on the Soviet delegation to agree, noting further Russian objections; differences in starting dates as an issue, concludes that the Soviet delegation's tactic was aimed at having the British break off the talks [FO 371/59120]

Telegram No. 644 from Foreign Office, to British Embassy, Moscow,

Contents xxix

27 February 1946, position of HM's Government in response to Soviet delaying tactics [FO 371/59120]

Telegram No. 6 from Budapest to Ministry of Fuel and Power, 11 May 1949 [POWE 33/1611]

5. BRITISH/RUSSIAN/BULGARIAN OIL INTERESTS IN ROUMANIA 801 AND BULGARIA, 1945

5.1 Steaua Romana interests in Bulgaria, 1944-1945 803

Letter from Mr T. Anderson, Steaua Romana (British) Ltd, to Mr A.F.L. Brayne, Ministry of Fuel and Power, 28 August 1944, on Bulgarian interests in Roumanian oil [POWE 33/1098]

Minute, 30 August 1944, 'Royal Dutch Shell Group interest in Bulgaria' [POWE 33/1098]

Copy of letter from the "Shell" Company of Bulgaria Ltd, to the "Shell" Company of Bulgaria Ltd, London, 1 December 1944, reporting the Status of the Company, including financial Situation, staff [POWE 33/1098]

Letter from Mr Aug. Kessler, London, to The Hon. M.R. Bridgeman, Ministry of Fuel and Power, 14 May 1945, on possible future business with Shell Bulgaria [POWE 33/1098]

Letter from Sir P. Norton-Griffiths, London, to Mr A.F.L. Brayne, Petroleum Division, Ministry of Fuel and Power, 17 May 1945, on arranging a possible joint business venture with Shell of Bulgaria, enclosures not included [POWE 33/1098]

Despatch from Petroleum Division, Ministry of Fuel and Power, to Ministry of Production, 26 May 1945, regarding trade with Bulgaria [POWE 33/1098]

Letter from Sir P. Norton-Griffiths, London, to Mr A.F.L. Brayne, Ministry of Fuel and Power, 12 July 1945, regarding Col. Bailey's telegram [POWE 33/1098]

Letter from Mr A.F.L. Brayne, Petroleum Division, Ministry of Fuel and Power, to Mr P. Anderson, Steaua Romana (British) Ltd, 16 July 1945, enclosing a memorandum by Col. S.W. Bailey, 30 June 1945 on 'Petrole S.A.', the state of its business and assets [POWE 33/1098]

Telegram No. M.1668 from Allied Control Commission, British Mission, Bucharest, to War Office, 18 August 1945, regarding Bulgarian government's nationalisation of 'Petrole S.A.', and its implications for the oil trade [POWE 33/1098]

XXX Contents

Summarised translation of report No. 295 by Dr El. R. Cohen, Geologist, 1 September 1945, 'Something about petroleum deposits in our country [POWE 33/1098] Minute, by Lt. Col. W.F. Gosling, Financial Adviser and British UN Representative, 13 September 1945, on 'Petrole Company', enclosing the report of a meeting between Russian, British and United Nations representatives, 20 August 1945, to resolve issues on 'Petrole Company', but signalling a tendency to refute that 'foreigners' had any rights in companies bought or operated before the war, and marking the trend to nationalisation by eastem European states [POWE 33/1098] Letter No. E.965 from Allied Control Commission, British Mission, Bucharest, to the Hon. M.R. Bridgeman, Petroleum Division, Ministry of Fuel and Power, 1 October 1945, on supplies to Bulgaria [POWE 33/1098] Letter from Mr G. Cooke, Petroleum Division, Ministry of Fuel and Power, to Col. S.W. Bailey, Allied Control Commission, Bulgaria, 11 October 1945, regarding Roumanian oil deliveries to Bulgaria [POWE 33/1098] Letter No. ACC(B)/10/4/10 from Maj. Gen. W.H. Oxley, Allied Control Commission (Bulgaria), British Mission, to War Office, London, 13 September 1945, on the attempt by the Soviet authorities to requisition the remaining storage facilities in Sofia of the Petrole Company, enclosing 'Appendix 1', report on the meeting held on 20 August 1945 with the Russian Economic Adviser, 22 August 1945 [POWE 33/1098]

Cipher telegram No. M/2256 from British Military Mission, Bulgaria, to War Office, 28 November 1945, on Russian requisitioning of British oil concems [POWE 33/1098]

5.2 British interest in new Russian-Austrian oil conditions

Secret cable No. 6367 from ACOM Vienna, 31 August 1945, to Troopers (CCLB) 31 August 1945 transmitting report from Economic Division to Mr Berthoud concerning a meeting between Austrian Oil Minister and three Russian civilian oil experts [FO 1020/3453]

Memorandum No. ACA/(ECON(V) 4 by Mr E.A. Berthoud, Director, Economics Division, Allied Commission for Austria, 7 August 1945, 'Impression of Vienna: Interviews with representatives of the Royal Dutch Shell Group in Austria' [FO 1020/3453]

Telegram No. ES20 from HQ Military Government, Vienna, to Info. Military Government Staff, Austria, 8 September 1945, regarding Austrian counter-proposals to Russian proposals concerning the Austro-Russian Oil Company [FO 1020/3453]

Contents

Memorandum No. ACA/FIN/330/TS from Brig. G.P.S. McPherson, Director, Finance Division, Allied Commission for Austria (British Division), to Deputy Commissioner, Secretariat, 22 September 1945, Statements of the British position regarding Austrian oilfields, enclosing Appendix I and Appendix II, on the position of British oil interests, with Appendix HI draft letter to the USSR Delegation [FO 1020/3453]