811.2423/9–3045
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan) to the Secretary of State 49
[Received October 6.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a memorandum prepared by Mr. Whitney,50 at present head of the Embassy’s Economic Research section, [Page 885] with respect to Soviet research organization and its potential ability to develop the utilization of atomic energy.51
This memorandum is merely a brief and superficial survey of the situation as far as it is known today. I am sure, however, that the conclusions drawn therein are sound and I feel that they warrant the very careful attention of interested circles in our Government.
The Department will note from the memorandum the following points:
- a.
- The Soviet Government will undoubtedly endeavor with every means at its disposal to learn the secrets of atomic energy.
- b.
- The natural resources, the research facilities and the production machinery of the Soviet Union are such as to lead us to assume that it may be possible for the Soviet Government to accomplish this purpose.
- c.
- It is vital to United States security that our Government should be adequately and currently informed on this subject.
- d.
- The completeness of Soviet security makes it out of the question that adequate information can be obtained through the normal channels and facilities now available to us.
- e.
- Large scale special efforts on various lines in this direction are therefore justified.
I earnestly recommend these conclusions to the most careful attention of our Government.
I have no hesitation in saying quite categorically, in the light of some eleven years experience with Russian matters, that it would be highly dangerous to our security if the Russians were to develop the use of atomic energy, or any other radical and far-reaching means of destruction, along lines of which we were unaware and against which we might be defenseless if taken by surprise. There is nothing—I repeat nothing—in the history of the Soviet regime which could justify us in assuming that the men who are now in power in Russia, or even those who have chances of assuming power within the foreseeable future, would hesitate for a moment to apply this power against us if by doing so they thought that they might materially improve their own power position in the world. This holds true regardless of the process by which the Soviet Government might obtain the knowledge of the use of such forces; i.e., whether by its own scientific and inventive efforts, by espionage, or by such knowledge being imparted to them as a gesture of good-will and confidence. To assume that Soviet leaders would be restrained by scruples of gratitude or humanitarianism would be to fly in the face of overwhelming contrary evidence on a matter vital to the future of our country.
It is thus my profound conviction that to reveal to the Soviet Government any knowledge which might be vital to the defense of the [Page 886] United States, without adequate guaranties for the control of its use in the Soviet Union, would constitute a frivolous neglect of the vital interests of our people. I hope the Department will make this view a matter of record, and will see that it is given consideration—for whatever it is worth—in connection with any discussions of this subject which may take place in responsible circles of our Government.
At the same time, I wish to say that I consider it the clear duty of the various interested agencies of our Government to determine at once in Washington the measures which our Government should take to obtain information with respect to Soviet progress in atomic research. There are a number of points which occur to me in this connection, but I think this perhaps not the proper time or vehicle for mentioning them. If the Department so desires I would be glad to submit detailed recommendations on this point at an early date.52
Respectfully yours,
- In a covering letter to Ambassador Harriman on September 30, Mr. Kennan wrote: “It is my feeling that not only would it be a tragic folly for us to hand over the secrets of atomic energy production to the Russians but that our Government has a serious responsibility to see that everything possible is done to obtain information on Russian progress along these lines. This Embassy should, I think, do everything within its power to stimulate such action. This is the only thing I can think of to do.” A notation in pencil on this letter states that the despatch was “Taken to USA by Gen’l Deane”. (124.616/1–1149)↩
- Thomas P. Whitney, Attaché of the Embassy in the Soviet Union. The memorandum is not printed.↩
- For further documentation on the interest of the United States in the development of atomic energy and in the international control of it, see vol. ii, pp. 1 ff.↩
- Notation by the Under Secretary of State (Acheson): “This should be asked for. D. A.” No such request found in Department files.↩