800.796/10–2644
The Soviet Ambassador (Gromyko) to the Secretary of State
Your Excellency: According to precise information received by the Soviet Government, in addition to other states, Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal have been invited to take part in the International Conference on Civil Aviation to be held in Chicago on November 1.
As is well known, the above-mentioned states, having adopted during the course of many years a hostile position in regard to the Soviet Union, do not have diplomatic relations with the U.S.S.R.
In view of this fact, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., having heard the report of the Government in regard to the International Conference in Chicago, has turned down participation by the Soviet Union in this Conference. The Soviet Government hereby informs the Government of the United States that, in conformity with the above-mentioned decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., the representatives of the U.S.S.R. will not be sent to the Conference in Chicago.
Accept [etc.]