711.60F/10–1446: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Czechoslovakia (Steinhardt)83
[Received October 15—12:33 p.m.]
5153. For the Ambassador from the Secretary. I am gratified to learn that the Czechoslovak Government is apparently beginning to realize that its policy of hostility toward the United States, of ignoring our just claims and of persistent press attacks may be productive of results as far as American economic assistance is concerned which are not in the interest of Czechoslovakia. You must bear in mind, however, that up to the very end of this conference Czechoslovakia has consistently opposed the United States and votes invariably with the Slav bloc on every important issue. We certainly could not expect any delegation to agree with us on all matters but when they disagree with us on every vote on every treaty it confirms the unfriendly attitude hitherto expressed in the press. I should wish to see much more substantial evidence of Czechoslovak independence and friendship toward the United States before resuming any form of economic assistance which some members of its delegation here profess to believe may lead to Czechoslovakia’s “economic enslavement”.
Because of your statements, we will withdraw the objection we made to the British selling some planes which have lend-lease parts to Czechoslovakia. The planes were negotiated before Britain knew of our new policy and we will withdraw objection.84
Sent Praha as 132; and to London as 725.
- This telegram was repeated to the Department as No. 5153; received October 15 at 12:33 p.m.↩
- Telegram 1266, October 17, 1946, to Praha (repeated to London as 7240), reported that the British Embassy had been informed on October 16 that the Secretary of State had authorized withdrawal of objection to the British sale of lend-lease aircraft parts to Czechoslovakia (711.60F/10–1446).↩