General Sikorski's Views on Military Situation in Russia. Note by the Secretary

in Soviet rear is so far satisfactory. Communications are, on the whole, still good. Order is maintained everywhere. The imminent fall of Leningrad must be taken into account as well as the cutting of communication with Murmansk. The closing of the port of Archangielsk during the winter months will deprive us of the northern route to Russia. It must also be borne in mind that if the Germans gain the mastery of the Donetz basin, they may still attempt to reach Stalin-grad, in order to isolate the Caucasus.