SALES OF PRECIOUS METALS

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP80-00810A006100160006-4
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
S
Document Page Count: 
2
Document Creation Date: 
December 21, 2016
Document Release Date: 
June 19, 2008
Sequence Number: 
6
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
March 2, 1955
Content Type: 
REPORT
File: 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon CIA-RDP80-00810A006100160006-4.pdf65.43 KB
Body: 
Approved For Release 2008/06/19: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA006100160006-4 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY INFORMATION REPORT This Document contains Information affecting the Na- tional Defense of the United States, within the mean- ing of Title 18, Sections 793 and 794, of the U.S. Code, as amended. Its transmission or revelation of Its contents to or receipt by an unauthorized person is prohibited by law. The reproduction of this form is prohibited. COUNTRY U.S.S.R. SUBJECT Sales of precious metals NO. OF PAGES REPORT DATE DISTR. 2 March 1955 REQUIREMENT REFERENCES THE SOURCE EVALUATIONS IN THIS REPORT ARE DEFINITIVE. THE APPRAISAL OF CONTENT IS TENTATIVE. (FOR KEY SEE REVERSE) 1. Gold. Contrary to views expressed several weeks ago, present indications are that the Soviets are not going to sell appreciable quantities of gold in the foreseeable future. 2. Platinum. On the other hand they are very keen to unload platinum, but the are d = __ emanding a fairly high price (E27.10-0. per troy nee the eg nn ng of December, 1954, one firm bought 300 Sgr. platinum from the Soviets. The Russians probably sold a similar amount elsewhere during that period. The Soviets have now discontinued their former practice of forcing purchasers of gold to buy simultaneously a quantity of platinum. 3. Palladium. The Soviets are still very keen to sell palladium but the k t is against them. the Russians has a vast quanta y po alladium in stock, are trying very hard to popu- larize palladium for use in jewellery instead of platinum. Palladium is pro- duced as a by-product of platinum, is practically as good for mounting precious stones and costs much less (35.10.0. per troy ounce). 5. Occasionally, their STATE X ARMY J X NAVY X jAIR X J FBI I IAEC (Note: Washington Distribution Indicated by "X"; Field Distribution By "#".) xl Approved For Release 2008/06/19: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA006100160006-4 Approved For Release 2008/06/19: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA006100160006-4 prices slightly lower than those quoted This is attributed to the fact that when the norms for sales r e a not reached, exceptional measures are resorted to in order to attain them. 25X1 There is also evidence of jealousy between various Soviet agencies selling precious metals. 25X1 Approved For Release 2008/06/19: CIA-RDP80-0081 OA006100160006-4