I received your message on February 9. Thank you for your congratulations. Our troops are still pushing on in some sectors, but the Germans are doggedly counter-attacking. I have read your communication on Italy. I hope for an improvement in the Allies' position in the near future. The Soviet Government is grateful to you for the information on the despatch of another additional convoy to the U.S.S.R. in March.

Please accept my best wishes.

February 11, 1944