See kirev NSVL-i markidega tähitud kommertskiri on saadetud 9. aprillil 1941 Tallinn-Sadam postkontorist Stockholmi. Kuigi kirjal on märge “Luftpost”, pole see arvastavasti õhupostiga kulgenud, vähemalt margistus tundub olema tavalise 2. kaalukategooria rahvusvahelise tähitud kirja oma: 0.50 + 0.30 kiri + 0.80 tähtimine = 1.60 rubla.
Kirja saatjaks on Nõukogude Liidu transpordikontori LEVNESHTRANS-i Tallinna osakond ja saaja Stockholmis asutus, mis võiks tõlkes olla Riigireservide Amet (Statens Reservförrådsnämnd). Riigireservide Ameti ülesanne oli tegeleda Rootsi riigile strateegiliselt tähtsate kaupade impordiga ja aidata selles ka Rootsi erafirmasid.[1,2]
Korrektsete NSVL-i õhupostitariifidega saadetud kirjad sellest perioodist tunduvad olema üllatavalt harva esinevad. Kui keegib omab teavet kui palju välismaadega õhupost sel ENSV perioodil reaalselt toimis, andke teada (samuti on abiks reaalselt kulgenud õhupostisaadetiste pildid).
English summary: Commercial registered multi-franked letter posted April 9, 1941 from Tallinn-Sadam to Stockholm. Despite the letter having typed marking “Luftpost” (“Air mail”), it likely did not go through air mail as it is franked as ordinary 2. weight class R-letter: 0.50 + 0.30 letter + 0.80 registering = 1.60 rubles.
The letter was sent from Tallinn branch of Soviet Union’s transport office LEVNESHTRANS to National Agency for Reserve Goods (Statens Reservförrådsnämnd) in Stockholm. This agency was set up “to handle questions regarding the purchase and storage of imported goods on behalf of the [Swedish] government.” The procurement of these goods was considered essential for “[Sweden’s] business and the public, as well as for the country’s economic defense readiness.” [1,2] As the WWII was looming over Europe, every country tried to acquire as much reserves as possible.
From ESSR period 1940-1941 air mail letters with correct Soviet air mail rates are surprisingly scarce. If you possess more information about air mail abroad during ESSR 1940-1941 period, please let me know (images of sent covers are welcome).
Viited:
[1] Raoul Wallenberg and Mellaneuropeiska — Swedish economic “agents” in World War II
[2] Statens Reservförrådsnämnd, Riksarkivet