125.0061/9–1345: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan)

2006. Re Kerman’s telegram 2624, July 21, 10 a.m. Dept feels that it is now appropriate to raise with SovGov question of opening additional consular offices in Soviet Union. Since it is not desired to raise at this time question of status of UkSSR,97 Dept feels that our initial effort should be toward establishment of Consulate at Leningrad. If you perceive no objection you are accordingly instructed to make such proposal to SovGov, stating that with end of war AmGov desires to expand representation in Soviet Union and wishes first to open Consulate at second largest city in country and leading Baltic port. In your discretion you may add that Dept contemplates establishment of relatively small office staffed at outset by not more than two career officers. You should make clear to SovGov that this is initial request and that in all probability Dept will desire to open other Consulates in Soviet Union at later date.

If SovGov agrees to opening of Leningrad Consulate express desire of AmGov that customs privileges on basis reciprocity be accorded American consular officers assigned to Soviet Union. Proposed text for exchange of notes to effect such arrangements follows by airmail.98

Acheson
  1. Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.
  2. Airgram A–403, October 12, to Moscow, not printed.