SOVIETS RUMORED TO HAVE BOUGHT MORE U.S. CORN

  The Soviet Union is rumored
  this morning to have bought up to 1.5 mln tonnes of U.S. corn,
  export trade sources said.
      The amount was not confirmed, but the talk was widespread
  through the trade. Gulf cash barge basis levels jumped two to
  three cents this morning on the rumors, which were expected to
  boost futures prices on today's open.
      The Soviet Union recently bought over 1.0 mln tonnes of
  U.S. corn, ostensibly as a conciliatory gesture ahead of trade
  talks with U.S. agriculture officials.
      Purchases rumored today were seen as a positive factor in
  light of a Soviet trade official's statement that the previous
  purchase had satisfied near-term needs.
  

