LETTER TO ALLEN DULLES FROM L. MOORE RE THOUGHT SIMKHAEFF PERSONAL RELATIONS WITH MOURAVIOV MIGHT BE OF SOME USE

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 00842365
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: March 9, 2023
• Document Release Date: September 28, 2021
• Case Number: F-2016-00752
• Publication Date: April 23, 1953

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Approved for Release: 2021/09/13 C00842365
Dear Allen:
Security Informaiic.R.
375 Park Avenue
New York City 22
April 23, 1953
Mr. Elia Sirnkhaeff, a British subject of Russian descent,
who has been working for many years for a British fur organization,
Linmpson, Fraser and Ruth, and whom I met several years ago as a
bridge partner, called me today and told me the following:
Re vas visited by a certain Xouraviov, who has recently
arrived in New York as head of Amtorg, the official. Soviet
trade organization. Several years ago he vas a subordinate
employee in the fur department of Ps:torso and, as a result
of the Russian sales of furs in. this Country, was in constant
touch and on very friendly terms with Simkhaeff.
As heed of A:Wrap Mouraviov approached Simishaeff, on
the basis of their past friendship, requesting him for help
in contacting leading business and financial circles in
New York. Mouraviov said that he had instructions from
Moscow to make every effort to resume trade relations between
the Soviet Union and the U.S. and to develop them to the
highest possible level. Re :sided that the Soviet Union was
waling to sell goods of all kinds and wanted to make large
purchases in the U.S. Mouraviov asked Siterhaeff to tilt*
the matter over, and to contact him within the next few days
with suggestions for the promotion of Soviet-American trade. ,
relations.
I have been well impressed by Simkhaeff over the years.
Although he is a British subject, he has lived in the U.S.
for many years, and would, I believe, be disposed to eat in
the best interests of this Country. He emigrated from the
Soviet Union during the early years of the Bolshevik revolution.
I thought that his personal relations with Mouraviov might be
of some use and decided to write to you about it. Please let
me know if you think that I should have any further discussions
with Simktmeff. He does not know, or course, that an writing
to you or that I know you personally.
Best regards.
Sincerely,
/s/ L Moore
I.. MOORE
P.S. Sam Anderson was in New York today and we had dimier
*tea together. I told him the above story thinktog that it
may be of interest to him in connection with Fast-West
trade. San, however, thought that at this point the
:natter has more politice than otherwise.
sc-ti - -
Approved for Release: 2021/09/13 C00842365
Approved for Release: 2021/09/13 C00842365
con
Security Information
375 Park Avenue
New York City 22
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However, if you think that as this affair develops it would
be wise to have the 0.I.T. become better informed Mr. Anderson
is 'at your disposal for further investigation.
/s/714
P.S.8. While this letter was being typed Simkhaeff telephoned
me that he saw Mouraviov again and has "many interesting
things to tell me". I shall try to see him MOT the
week-end and write you twain.
P.S.S.S. As agreed, Count Faina will come to see you at 4PM
on Thursday, April 30. Among other things he wants
to talk about the danger of pre-election "deals"
leading to the nationalization at big industrial
enterprises; may be you will find it useful that
he also see General Bedell Smith?
deaf-
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Security Information
Approved for Release: 2021/09/13 C00842365