Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, Europe, Volume V

811.7661/11–2145: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State

Moscow, November 21, 1945—5 p.m.
[Received 7:30 p.m.]

3924. For Benton. Phillips is en route Washington under doctor’s orders but will be available on his arrival to give our views here on information program generally and specifically regarding broadcasting in Russia.

The following are my preliminary comments:⁵

1. A transmitting station in Europe is almost essential on account of the poor reception in Russia. It is only possible occasionally to hear the Moscow programs broadcast from the US. I am glad therefore to learn that you are contemplating establishment of transmitter in Germany which presumably would cover eastern Europe as well as Russia in native languages. I wish also to emphasize the importance of having this station powerful. People in Moscow generally listen to the BBC⁶ rather than the US Army Forces station because it is stronger and more regularly understandable.

2. Since the Russians are broadcasting to the West in English they cannot object to our broadcasting in Russian. On other hand it’s essential that our broadcasts be well edited or they will create more ill will than benefit. If it is definitely decided to establish a station which I strongly recommend be done I will gladly give detailed recommendations. In general, however, the program should be solid as well as interesting. All speeches of President, Secretary Byrnes and prominent American statesmen should be quoted in detail insofar as they affect Russia. This information is important to get to the Russian people as the Russian press selects sentences out of texts which give completely false meanings. In addition I believe that if the people got by radio a fair summary of these speeches the Soviet Government would be forced to report them more accurately. Soviet press should be watched carefully and information should be given to offset inaccurate impressions created. For example, the strikes in US have been strongly played up by Soviet press. From this a Russian would judge that American industry is almost at a standstill. Our broadcasts might state the number of men on strike in relation to total employed. In same way unemployment in US is exaggerated by Soviet press and one would think that men were walking the streets starving. Accurate information could be given of the unemployment benefits and the way we take care of our unemployed. In addition the Russians are intensely interested in everything to do with American life and all kinds of color stories, American music, et cetera, should be given. This is intended only as a rough outline.

3. Skillful editing of program is essential. This would require a competent staff in US and at the station well coordinated with your staff in Moscow.

4. Russian people have only a vague understanding of US, its life and objectives. Opinion is easily swayed by Soviet propaganda line. At the present time they are much concerned over what has been depicted as American aggression in attempting to block Soviet policy in eastern Europe and threat of atomic bomb. I believe it is of vital importance in our long term relations with Soviet Union that we use every means to correct false impressions and to attempt to block Soviet propaganda lines which build up fears and antagonisms to US. A broadcast in Russian is one of our best media for accomplishing this purpose. I should emphasize however that we should not of course criticize the Soviet Government or Soviet institutions. We should attempt to obtain our objectives by positive statements of facts about America and its policy.

5. Since the development of our relations with Soviet Union is unquestionably the most important problem ahead of us in international affairs and since the normal channels of information which exist to other countries are almost nonexistent to Soviet Union I urge that information program to Eussia be given first priority in retention of staff and in budget.

Harriman

5. Assistant Secretary of State Benton replied in the Department’s telegram 2417, November 29, 1945, 6 p.m., expressing appreciation for “the constructive suggestions” in telegram 3924, and added: “We will canvass this field with Phillips immediately on his arrival.” (811.7661/11–2145)
6. British Broadcasting Corporation.