811.917 America/10–2447: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Durbrow) to the Secretary of State
3093. Further conversation with customs chief makes it clear refusal release extra copies Amerika based upon effort prevent distribution more than 50,000 copies sold by Soyuzpechat.1
When asked why copies not released customs chief stated could not understand why Embassy needed so many extra copies. When explained used to distribute to members of Embassy staff, members of diplomatic corps, and other interested persons, customs chief replied that he still could not understand why Embassy needed so many and pointed out that by release of 50,000 Soviet authorities had “lived up to the agreement”. When further pressed as to reason for holding copies, customs chief promised look into matter. Impression gained, however, that he had high-level orders not release extra copies. Evident authorities have heard of copies distributed by members of staff on trips and otherwise and do not wish to permit any uncontrolled distribution.
Embassy can make no further recommendations at this time beyond those made in Embtel 3006, October 8.2
- The refusal to release more than 50,000 copies of Amerika magazine had been reported by Ambassador Smith in telegram 2826 from Moscow on September 12, 3 p. m. He had requested that an extra 500 copies of each issue for complimentary distribution should thereafter be sent by sea pouch to the Embassy, if they were available. (811.917 America/9–1247)↩
- Not printed.↩