Russia. Oil Supplies. Vulnerability Of: Note by Secy. Covering Fresh Draft for Summary of Information On:

5. The oil from the North Caucasus fields is largely refined locally and, together with that part of the Baku oil which passes through Makhacn Kala, is carried by rail or pipeline either to Tuapse on the Black Sea or direct to the Donetz Basin and the Eastern Ukraine. The comparatively small amount of oil which goes to Tuapse is refined there and redistributed by sea or overland. 6. In the event of the port of Batum being closed by sea, land or air action, some 8 million tons of oil therefore would have to be diverted from Baku to the routes across the Caspian or through Makhach Kala, in addition to the 12 million tons already using those routes.