860F.6131/12–547: Telegram
The Chargé in Czechoslovakia ( Bruins ) to the Secretary of State
1610. ReEmbtel 1606, December 5,1 Soviet promise delivery 600,000 tons grain to Czechoslovakia by end April 1948, this announcement contained in long and extremely effusive telegram from Gottwald to Stalin which widely published in press on theme “friend in need is friend indeed”.2 Czechoslovak Communist press elaborated this idea pointing out foregoing represents 40 percent of country’s annual bread grain requirements and that Soviet aid especially timely and appreciated. Semi-official daily review also reports arrival at Czechoslovak border of 27 carloads grain, 50 tons each (1350 tons).
It long been Embassy’s opinion that because relatively good grain crops in Russia, Soviets would assist Czechoslovakia with grain shipments at time regarded most advantageous to Communists in forth-coming election campaign.3 It probable present move which appears to accelerate at least first deliveries may have been dictated by need of Czechoslovak Communist Party for some bolstering after rather sharp setbacks in November and by fact that Czechoslovakia could not indefinitely continue shipping heavy machinery and textiles to Soviet Union without some form of payment. Public announcement of course did not mention that Soviet grain must be paid for, but contained [Page 251] implication it was generous gesture on part of Mother Russia. It pertinent that Czechoslovak trade delegation now in Moscow negotiating new commercial agreement which will doubtless take usual form of exchange of commodities.4 Czechoslovak economic experience thus far with Russia is that commodities Russia furnishes are far over-valued whereas Soviets insist on under-valuation of Czechoslovak products.
I regard it extremely doubtful whether it physically possible transport to Czechoslovakia the quantity of grain stated within periods mentioned. Am informed there is only one entry point in Czechoslovakia for Soviet grains which has equipment for expeditiously dumping Russian gauge freight cars and reloading contents into standard Czechoslovak gauge cars. Am reliably informed these facilities at top permit maximum transfer of 1500 tons per day and consequently 600,000 tons of grain would require 400 days if deliveries made promptly to transfer point. Obviously shipments cannot proceed up Danube River during winter and use other routes would entail even greater delays. Consequently it would appear Communists are attempting obtain maximum propaganda effect from announcement at this time and as has usually occurred in past deliveries are likely to fall far behind promises. Parliamentary secretary of Slovak Democratic Party stated privately that of 27-car train which just arrived, only 4 cars contained foodstuffs although this lacks confirmation.5
Am strongly of opinion that announcement re Soviet deliveries to Czechoslovakia should not change US policy of no food deliveries and no loans to Czechoslovakia until country has complied with our desire for: (1) compensation to Americans for losses in Czechoslovakia, (2) cessation of anti-American press campaign of vilification and (3) until Czechoslovak Government takes some positive steps toward negotiation of commercial treaty. While point 2 has been temporarily achieved, [no?] action has been obtained on other two. I feel confident that continued firmness on our part will during next few months not result in undue loss of prestige to US inasmuch as hope of future loans and food deliveries is more potent than actual dispensing of them at present.
- Not printed.↩
- In July 1947, at the time a Czechoslovak delegation headed by Prime Minister Gottwald visited Moscow to discuss the question of Czechoslovak participation in the European Recovery Program, the Soviet Union undertook to deliver 200,000 tons of wheat and 200,000 tons of fodder to Czechoslovakia in 1948. In Tate November, Gottwald made a personal appeal to Stalin for 150,000 tons of wheat in 1948 above the amount already promised. In reply of November 29, Stalin promised to increase Soviet deliveries of wheat to 400,000 tons, 50,000 tons of which would be delivered before the end of 1947. Deliveries of all 400,000 tons of wheat and 200,000 tons of fodder were to be completed by April 1948. Gottwald’s telegram of appreciation, which is under reference here, was dated December 2.↩
- In despatch 3316, December 3,
from Praha, not printed, Chargé Bruins commented as follows about
the timing of the Soviet promise of increased wheat deliveries:
“The Embassy believes that the Prime Minister and the Communist Party chose this particular time to publicize Soviet ‘generosity’ (1) in order to offset the two recent Communist setbacks—in Slovakia and at the Social Democratic Congress in Brno where Fierlinger was ousted as party chairman, and (2) to coincide with alleged failure of Masaryk to obtain grain from the United States.” (860F.6131/12–347)
↩ - On December 11, in Moscow, following several months of negotiation, Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union concluded a treaty of commerce and navigation, trade and payments agreement covering the 1948–1952 period, an agreement concerning a short-term credit for Czechoslovakia, and an agreement concerning scientific and technical collaboration.↩
- In telegram 1683, December 24, from Praha, not printed, Chargé Bruins reported that 48,000 tons of grain had already been delivered to Slovakia from the Soviet Union. Bruins added that Minister of Foreign Trade Hubert Ripka had told him that the Soviet grain deliveries had averted a real crisis and “in his opinion it also [was] beneficial for country thus to strengthen position of Gottwald whom he characterized as moderate Communist.” (860F.6131/12–2427).↩