The Soviets begin to build radar bases and fix anti-aircraft artillery in Syria, and the Syrian and Russian governments reach an military aid agreement.

The Narkomtsvetmet (People's Commissariat of Nonferrous Metallurgy) outlines the work plan for the Sin'tszyanolovo concession in 1941, including exploration work for tin and tungsten in the Bortala River basin and conducting a geological survey and prospecting for mineral deposits in the Altai, Kashgar, Ghulja, and Hotan districts.

The Soviet Politburo approves the Narkomtsvetmet's 1941 work plan for the Sin'tszyanolovo concession and outlines the tasks related to the concession for which the NKVD, NKO, Civil Air Fleet, Narkomtsvetmet, and the Council of Ministers are respectively responsible.

The Soviet Politburo charges Narkomtsvetmet with concluding a 50 year concession agreement for the right to explore and exploit mineral deposits in Xinjiang and establishes a Directorate of Concessions for Exploration, Prospecting, and Exploitation of the Deposits of Tin in Xinjiang.

The Politburo orders that the Special Expedition of the NKTP continue its work in the territory of Xinjiang, namely exploring and mining in the Surtassky deposit and the Ili [Yili] District, through 1937.

The Politburo orders the NKTP Special Purpose Geological Expedition in Xinjiang to continue prospecting for tin, tungsten, and molybdenum, allocating rubles and workers to support their efforts.

Stalin states that the Soviet Union has insufficient lead to supply China, Korea and itself, Stalin also asks for the exportation of lead ore from Korea to the USSR.