123 Reinhardt, G. Frederick: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union
1514. ReEmbtel 2312 June 20 [30].1 In pressing for opening Consulate Leningrad Dept hoped establish office which would be not isolated outpost like Vladivostok but important source political and economic information on local area and field in which Dept’s information and cultural program might be profitably pursued. Although recent trends in Sov Union indicate contacts in Leningrad may be severely restricted, Dept nevertheless doubts situation there can approximate Vladivostok. If Leningrad possibilities are to be thoroughly exploited it seems clear that personnel must remain there for substantial period time and not on 6 months’ basis prevailing Vladivostok.
On this basis Dept would be guided by your recommendations on assignment personnel Leningrad but feels definitely personnel sent there should be on assignment not on detail since latter arrangement would prevent establishment of appropriate personnel allowances and have other administrative drawbacks. Dept’s understanding of Washington conversations was in this sense.
Your further views are requested.
- Not printed.↩