611.61/8–2451: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
priority
323. Following suggestions may possibly be helpful in preparing reply to Shvernik which, according to recent Presidential comments, will soon be forthcoming.
Emb feels confident that American and Morrison statements have been solid blow to Sovs and shld be followed up soonest possible. Prompt reply to Shvernik, if published here, will come when previous Anglo-Amer statements are still fresh and shld have cumulative effect as well as permit greater opportunity for reference (or rebuttal) texts of first exchange. Moreover speed will keep exchange incident alive and Sovs on defensive. Latter undoubtedly hope to avoid additional such statements and wld certainly prefer to nullify or reduce effects of previous statements thru daily propaganda, while making it appear that, both sides having presented their views, the incident is now closed.
Emb believes Presidential message shld include specific material in support of its basic contentions, and feels it is particularly important to pound home to Sov citizens in simplest possible terms facts about specific aggressive Sov acts which have caused internatl tension. References to internal Sov affairs shld also be included and made as explicit as possible. Tone of such references is of greatest importance. In Emb’s view, they shld reflect sympathetic awareness that thinking Sov people acquainted with burdens and repressions they are suffering at hands of regime and are not in position to change situation quickly. On other hand, Sov people shld be made to appreciate that free world shocked by scale of Sov malpractices which has no parallel in history unless it be Nazi Germany.
Emb suggests Presidential reply could suitably include proposal for periodic exchanges of official statements (at Presidential or Departmental level) with Sov’s ltr publication on reciprocal basis, possibly along lines suggested Emb desp 488, Feb 24.1
Sovs might find such a proposal particularly difficult to refuse or evade in view of their recent complaints accusations re lack of US publicity given pro-Sov views, including Shvernik statement, and at [Page 1641] a time when “peaceful co-existence” theme being carefully developed.
- Despatch 488 transmitted a memorandum prepared by Embassy Second Secretary Lister containing suggestions for a propaganda campaign which would exploit the absence of a free press in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. (511.61/2–2451)↩