811.42700 (R)/10–3147: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Smith) to the Secretary of State
3138. Have just learned from sources with many important party connections that authorities worried about effectiveness of Voice of America programs. Discussions have taken place as to what measures should be taken and serious consideration being given to jamming. Source adds Voice of America much more effective than British-Russian broadcasts because news generally reported factually with a minimum of barbed anti-Soviet items which nevertheless usually are effective and hit the mark while British broadcasts are too British and too full offensive items. This information perhaps explains Gudok attack.1
[Page 605]Same source stated authorities more worried about Britansky Soyusnik than Amerika because former appears more regularly and language better.
This information most confidential and should be guarded with utmost discretion.
- The Gudok attack on the Voice of America programs appeared on October 24, 1947. It attempted to refute that life under capitalism was better than life in the Soviet Union, which it boastfully praised in well-worn terms. In reporting upon the article in telegram 3099 from Moscow on October 25 at noon, not printed, Chargé Durbrow concluded: “Very defensive tone this article indicates VOA hitting where it hurts. Gudok type defense not likely be effective for long time since Soviet people have different idea American living standards.” (811.42700 (R)/10–2547)↩