123 Klieforth, Alfred W.: Telegram
The Chargé in Czechoslovakia (Klieforth) to the Secretary of State
Prague, July 14,
1945—6 p.m.
[Received 7:30 p.m.]
[Received 7:30 p.m.]
81. Reference Moscow’s 2487, July 9. Full account of my Russian incident transmitted in despatch No. 29 of June 21, 1945.53
- 1.
- The nationality of Gaberstein is the subject of further investigation by the local police. Although he had provisional documents showing that he has been reinstated as a loyal Czech the chances are that now under Soviet pressure he will again be declared a German to give some justification to the actions of the Russian occupant of the apartment.
- 2.
- Ranking Russian in apartment was a sergeant and not an officer as I had assumed.
- 3.
- The statement that sergeant was not rude and offensive and uttered no threats is a complete falsehood. The Czechs present were [Page 477] almost speechless with fright and I must admit that I too was frightened.
- 4.
- The so-called conversation after departure from apartment took place in front of house where my car was parked. When I refused to follow sergeant to Commandant’s office he called for an armed sentry and placed him aside of the car. The sentry under threat of using his rifle refused to permit me to drive away. It was the sergeant not the sentry who was discourteous to the flag. In talking to me the sergeant repeatedly pointed his finger at me almost touching my face and said many times “After finished with these Germans who claim to be Czechs you American you will see what will happen to you.” I did not misunderstand the sergeant although the conversation was carried on in different languages. I was detained by force in the car as witnessed by the FonOff official and other Czechs. I was relieved [released] finally when the sergeant returned accompanied by a Czech officer and after I protested vigorously to the latter that I was being detained by force as evidenced by armed sentry still guarding me and car.
- 5.
- FonOff informally told me today that Czech Govt has received note from Russian Embassy practically identical with Soviet note to Harriman. FonOff proposes to send copy to me without comment but suggested informally that in reply I ask for statements of Czech witnesses.
- 6.
- It is possible that now under Soviet pressure Czech witnesses will revise their account of incident, otherwise FonOff would not have suggested to ask for copy of their statements. However when Dr. Skalicky, Chief of Protocol, delivered note of June 25 containing apology he stated that Czech report of incident “agreed fully” with mine. Heidrich, Chief FonOff Legal Section remarked “Alas, we are helpless. Under our treaty with Moscow the Russians have jurisdiction over matters of this kind”.
Sent Dept, rptd Moscow as 22.
Klieforth