861.751/10–945: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman)
2114. As you know, all censorship in the US on incoming and outgoing telecommunication messages, whether by telegraph or telephone, has ended. American Telephone and Telegraph Co. advises Dept informally that Soviet authorities continue to restrict use of direct radiotelephone circuit between US and USSR to official calls. It is believed that removal of this restriction would be mutually advantageous, for example, in permitting use by American citizens for business and personal calls in USSR. It is of course recognized that Soviet restrictions on use by Soviet nationals of radiotelephone circuit is a matter on which it would not be appropriate to make representations.
Within your discretion please ascertain whether Soviet authorities would agree to appropriate relaxation of restrictions on radiotelephone circuit. Please telegraph.