051.61/10–145: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 1—6:38 a.m.]
3413. Forty-seven sealed pouches for this Embassy were recently forwarded by American Legation Stockholm by steamer to Leningrad, where Embassy officer was sent to receive them. Leningrad customs refused delivery to him, saying they would have to be forwarded to Moscow customs. Pouches were, therefore, forwarded to Moscow. Moscow customs have now likewise refused release unless pouches be opened for inspection, stating that they were despatched as freight unaccompanied by diplomatic courier, laissez passer or appropriate invoice. Despite Embassy’s repeated requests to Foreign Office to facilitate delivery, latter has supported Moscow customs in its stand. I have no knowledge of contents of these pouches and do not feel at liberty to submit them to inspection without instructions. If Russians refuse to release them we might propose sending them to Berlin to be reintroduced into Soviet Union by courier.
Department’s instructions would be appreciated.
Sent to Dept as 3413, repeated to Stockholm as 79 and to Paris as 357.