811.20200 (D)/12–2145: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 21—1:35 p.m.]
4247. Dept’s Dec 12 circular34—Radio broadcasts to USSR. Suggest Department see my 3924, Nov 21 for Benton in which I discussed problem of broadcasts to USSR.
1. Transcriptions. Soviet radio and cultural authorities have evinced interest in receiving American transcriptions for use by Soviet radio stations. They desire only music not commentary. Therefore, loan or donation of such transcriptions can be considered as only limited “medium of information from the US to the people of our area”.
2. Receivers and outlets in USSR. Statistics, if they exist, regarding various channels through which Soviet radio public receive [Page 931] broadcasts are not available to us. Our observation leads us to believe that most of the Soviet radio public receives broadcasts through amplifiers plugged into lines carrying Soviet broadcasts. It is most unlikely that Soviet radio authorities would put foreign broadcasts into these lines, particularly such as might have any propaganda value from standpoint of a foreign [government?] for practical purposes. It may be assumed that this system will not provide a channel for American informational activity.
Before war both long-wave and short-wave receiving sets were manufactured in USSR. We understand that while most short-wave sets were called up by Red Army during war, sets have now been returned to owners. Soviet press states that “several hundred thousand” radio sets are to be manufactured in 1946. There was no indication whether they are to be short or long wave. We surmise they will be both.
In addition, short-wave sets taken from Soviet occupied Europe are now being brought into USSR. These sets are in possession of army officers and upper and some of middle stratum of Soviet society.
As a generalization it may therefore be said that influential classes in USSR possess Soviet or foreign short-wave sets and that masses are dependent upon wired-in Soviet programs. It follows that foreign broadcasts reach Soviet officer class, intelligentsia and higher bureaucrats, but not masses.
3. Broadcasts from USA. Our Army Signal Corps officer here35 states direct short-wave broadcast from USA would be unsatisfactory as reception would be poor. He suggests short-wave relay by stations in Central Europe and Far East of programs originating from USA. He states relays should be beamed to specific areas in USSR if they are not to be blocked by powerful transmitters in USSR.
4. Programs. Programming of American broadcasts to USSR should, of course, receive most expert and intelligent treatment. Soviet radio provides varied and high quality programs. As a result Soviet audience is a critical one. Therefore, American broadcasts to USSR must be well conceived and executed. Russians dislike too much levity and feel themselves cheated if spoken programs do not have a solid intellectual content. Programs should, of course, be in Russian language.
(a) Music. In considering broadcast of classical music to USSR it should be remembered that music of this type provided by Soviet radio is first class. If classical music is included in American programs to USSR, it should be of top quality. But there is other music which we can broadcast with which Soviet radio cannot or will not compete successfully.
[Page 932]American dance music (but not esoteric jive) and folk music is very popular with Russians. So far as we have been able to determine, Soviet citizens who have short-wave radios listen avidly to American swing programs. Two best selling records in Moscow now are American-style dance music by Soviet band. And such songs as “Tavern in the Town”, “K-K-Katie” and “Polly Wolly Doodle” are rendered in Russian and are well known to all Soviet radio listeners.
A third form of musical program with peculiar appeal to emotionally-starved Soviet people is represented by songs of former Russian émigré. Vertinsky, now in Moscow. His extraordinary popularity suggests possibility that if a Russian émigré can be found who can broadcast in song with real ability and distinction the poignant sentiments evoked by champagne, sables, and melancholy love, he will command an enthusiastic Soviet audience. As Vertinsky is probably regarded officially as debilitating influence, he performs only to theater and concert audiences, not over radio. We therefore have that particular field open to us. And because Soviet people in their austere Spartan existence yearn for escape and vicarious luxury, such programs would fill a psychological void. For reasons of policy, Soviet Government is reluctant to recognize or gratify its people’s longing for plush obvious sophistication. Although Soviet Government would not welcome programs of this character, it cannot very well enter objection to them. It cannot be too strongly emphasized that, if such programs are undertaken, they should be most carefully thought put. Indifferent renderings of hackneyed Russian gypsy music, such as are common in New York Russian restaurants and Hollywood films, are worse than useless and would only invite ridicule. Also Russian classical music customarily on Soviet radio should be avoided.
(b) Commentary. As Dept knows, Soviet radio does not hesitate to carry commentaries critical of various phases of American life and American policy. It is not suggested that an American program beamed to USSR should give equal reason for offense to Soviet official susceptibilities. It is suggested, however, that American news and commentaries should not be squeamish in approach to Soviet listeners. It is felt that American news and comment will command more attention and respect if it is straightforward and vigorous rather than delicate and noncommittal. Reasonable care should, of course, be exercised to make sure that such material is keyed to Soviet psychology. In view of tardy and taciturn dissemination of news by Soviet press and radio, any normally alert American news broadcast may expect to scoop Soviet information releases and for that reason if, for no other, will be listened to.
(c) Cultural spoken material. Readings in translation of selections from American literature would be popular, as would translations of [Page 933] suitable radio plays, particularly detective thrillers. As there is a growing interest in study of English language, English lessons by radio would probably have an audience.