121.5461/7–1447: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Smith) to the Secretary of State
2422. Deptel 1448, July 11 re restrictions on travel Soviet officials.1 I agree with Department that suggested method of approach is best. However, I wish to be very sure that in event this line does not result in satisfactory response by Foreign Office, definite action will be taken by Department resulting in actual limitation of travel of Soviet Military and Naval Attachés.
Soviet authorization of Leningrad Consulate is example of result of effective method of dealing with Soviet Foreign Office. In this case Vyshinsky was convinced that we would take immediate steps to close [Page 577] Soviet Consulates in US if Leningrad not authorized, and I want to be sure that similar positive action is contemplated in present instance before I approach Foreign Office.
- Not printed. Because of the lack of reciprocity in the treatment accorded the United States military and naval attaches in Moscow since the end of the war in facilitating requests for travel, the Department of State proposed to Ambassador Smith: “You should state you have been instructed by your Gov to request formally that reasonable facilities be accorded our attaches and to state that while this Gov would regret being obliged to restrict the activities of Sov military and naval attachés in this country your Gov does not feel that it can continue to overlook complete lack of reciprocity.” (120.34 Transportation/6–2047)↩