861.9111 R.R./10–444: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:29 p.m.]
3791. Highlights of Soviet press for week of September 26, October 2 inclusive.
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2. Germany. Problem of Germany’s fate becomes increasingly acute in press. Much worry is shown in articles by Ehrenburg65 and in selected news items over possibility of German criminals escaping just punishment, especially by taking refuge in neutral countries. At the same time, there is also concern over elements favoring easy peace for Germany as whole. This material was heavily balanced, however, by prominent publication of American and British official statements indicating Anglo-Saxon determination to punish German criminals and to treat Germany sternly.66 Eisenhower’s proclamation to German people was published almost in entirety.67
Russians undoubtedly are sincerely concerned over problem of possible future German aggression; but the handling of this subject by press also indicates that in order to appeal to the resistance or former resistance elements in occupied and liberated countries, they are deliberately fostering the belief that they will take sterner attitude toward Nazi criminals than will Western Powers.
Indication of substantial measure of agreement regarding treatment of Germany among Anglo-Soviet-American group was given by Tass despatch reporting accomplishments thus far of London Advisory Commission. General note of satisfaction with progress made in Commission was partly offset by indication of annoyance with leaks of information to London press circles.
3. Relations with Anglo-American Allies. Publication of Allied communiqués and especially Tass special correspondent’s story from Nijmegen clearly indicated to Soviet readers that hard, heavy fighting was going on between Allied armies and Germans. Press tends to [Page 923] soft pedal fact that Americans were fighting on German soil, and portion of Eisenhower’s message to German people which informed them that Allies had entered Germany was not published.
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4. Miscellaneous. News items from Rumania indicated annoyance over delay in purging pro-Fascist elements and in reorganizing country’s political life. Leading role of Communists was brought out in reports of political program drafted by democratic bloc.
Articles from Bucharest by Pravda war correspondent contrasted Russian strength and discipline with decadence and selfishness of Rumanians. They contained hints that Russians, particularly Russian troops, as is customary, were not to be allowed to expose themselves to foreign influences. Troops were admonished not to be misled by artificial glamour and flesh pots of bourgeois civilization. It is probable that unflattering descriptions of Rumanian life are partly calculated to offset shock to Russians at seeing an allegedly backward people living at a more comfortable standard than Russians are accustomed to.
News items regarding Finland indicated dissatisfaction with failure of Finns to make greater progress in operations against Germans.
Several brief items from Iran indicated that Soviets were pursuing vigorous and systematic policy of cultural penetration in that country.
- Ilya Grigoryevich Ehrenburg, a leading Soviet writer.↩
- For the statement on September 28, 1944, by the Secretary of State regarding warnings to neutral governments not to grant asylum to Axis war criminals, see vol. i, p. 1431.↩
- Issued on September 28, 1944; see Forrest C. Pogue, The Supreme Command, in the official Army history United States Army in World War II: The European Theater of Operations (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1954), p. 357.↩