811.42761/10–545
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan)
Sir: In relation to its program of cultural exchange between the United States and other nations the Department considers it of importance to stimulate cultural interchanges between this country and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.66 Various art, music, and theater groups have approached the Department since the cessation of hostilities asking its advice as to the best method and the most appropriate time for a resumption of exchange in the art and music fields, with particular reference to the possible appearance in the United States of various ballet groups, theater groups, choruses and art exhibitions from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. In this connection it is pointed out that the Office of War Information has sent to that country on various occasions certain United States musical and artistic materials which have been well received.
It is realized that transportation across the Atlantic is still a serious problem and may remain so for some time to come. The Army points out that it may need more of the available shipping space till the summer of 1946. However, the Department would like to know the attitude of responsible officials in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics toward an increased exchange of persons and materials in the art and music fields for its general guidance in giving advice to United States organizations interested in the possibility of sending United States orchestras, choruses, ballet groups, art exhibits, and art and music material to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in exchange for similar materials and groups.
Following is a list of specific topics upon which the Department would like information at the earliest opportunity:
- 1.
- The earliest practical date by which the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics might consider sending the Red Army Chorus or some similar group to this country, perhaps in exchange for a similar group from the United States.
- 2.
- The earliest practical date by which Soviet organizations could plan to send ballet groups or theater groups or orchestras to the United States in exchange for similar groups.
- 3.
- The earliest practical date by which the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics would consider sending exhibits of Soviet art, architecture, or handcraft to the United States in exchange for similar initiatives on the part of United States organizations.
- 4.
- The earliest practical date by which international conferences or conferences in the arts and sciences might be convened in the United States in order to have responsible Soviet representatives in attendance, together with materials or devices illustrative of the latest advances in Soviet arts and sciences.
The Department wishes to issue a statement on the importance of resuming active cultural interchanges between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. It is felt however that such a statement would be more effective if it were made in the light of the fullest possible knowledge of the attitude of the Soviet Government in regard to the questions raised in this instruction.67
Very truly yours,
- For attitude of the Soviet Union in regard to international cultural cooperation prior to establishment of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), see telegram 3838, November 13, 5 p.m., from Moscow, vol. i, p. 1521. See also telegram 10571, October 10, 7 p.m., from London, ibid., p. 1515.↩
- In telegram 4146, December 12, 1945, Ambassador Harriman reported that the “head of American ‘Section in FonOff writes on Dec. 11 that opinion of appropriate Soviet organizations has been sought and upon receipt of conclusions of these organizations he will communicate reply in substance to our proposals.” (811.42761/12–1245)↩
- Assistant Secretary of State for Public and Cultural Relations.↩