March 31, 1942.
 
STALIN
       MOSCOW
 
     It is unfortunate that geographical distance makes
 
it practically impossible for you and me to meet at this
 
time. Such a meeting of our minds in personal conversation
 
would be greatly useful to the conduct of the war against
 
Hiltlerisn. Perhaps if things go as well as we hope, you
 
and I could spend a few days together next Summer near
 
our common border off Alaska- But, in the meantime, I
 
regard it as of the utmost military importance that we
 
have the nearest possible approach to an exchange of views.
 
     As you are aware, we have been conducting a delaying
 
action in the Pacific, but it is my belief that matters in that ocean are now fairly well stabilized for 
 
the time being. Furthermore, our increasing production program