-3- #523, December 8, 8 p.m. (SECTION SIX)  from  Moscow
 
     It is my conclusion that the Red Army is a far better fighting force and is distinctly better
led than it was  at the beginning of the war. Its supply and transportation problems however are
becoming  and will become more acute. This leads to the inevitable conclusion that the defeat of
the Axis armies within Russia must depend more and more on supply assistance from the United
States. 
     Arrangements have been made with President Stalin for us to see the Red Army in the
Caucasus.  Our departure from here awaits flying weather.
 
(END OF MESSAGE).
 
 
THOMPSON
 
JMH