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.