840.50 Recovery/7–1047: Telegram
The Ambassador in Czechoslovakia (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
urgent
niact
872. I have learned from sources which have heretofore been entirely reliable that a telegram was received at midnight from Gottwald in Moscow directing that an immediate meeting of Czech cabinet be summoned to withdraw Czechoslovakia’s acceptance of Anglo-French invitiation to take part in Paris conference. My informants stipulate that in telegram Gottwald gave as his reason for insisting upon a withdrawal of acceptance fact that Paris meeting is to be a political and not an economic conference and that withdrawal of Czech acceptance would serve as conclusive evidence of Czechoslovakia’s loyalty to its alliance with Soviet Union.
Cabinet is at present in session. Having regard to fact that Fierlinger1 is leader of Social Democratic Party and that Social Democrats hold the balance of power in Cabinet there is little doubt in my mind but that Cabinet will acquiesce in Gottwald’s demand.
I am inclined to view that Beneš2 who appears to have been determining factor in acceptance of invitation to Paris prior to departure of Gottwald for Moscow and who approved of Gottwald’s trip to Moscow has out-maneuvered Soviets and Czech Communists. Having anticipated a Soviet veto of Czech participation he is now in a position to make it clear to Czech public that Czechoslovakia’s foreign policy is being dictated from Moscow, that country does not enjoy complete independence and that repeated charge in western press that Czechoslovakia is a Soviet satellite has been proven. He will also be in a position to suggest to moderate parties that they bring home to Czech public the fact that Czechoslovakia has been obliged by Soviet Union to act contrary to its own interests. In connection with foregoing see [Page 319] my 829 of July 33 outlining probable course of action of both Czech and Soviet Governments.