861.458/11–447: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union
secret
Washington, November
5, 1947—1 p. m.
1919. Urtel 3164 Nov 4 6 p. m.1 Following telegram to be sent Nov 6 from President Truman to President Shvernik:2 “On this national anniversary of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, please convey to the people of the Soviet Union the sincere greetings of the people of the United States.”
Marshall
- Not printed. Ambassador Smith had recommended that in view of the existing situation he believed if President Truman had any intention to send an anniversary message it should be limited to simple greetings. The text has been reprinted in the Department of State Bulletin, November 16, 1947, p. 960. A telegram on November 22 from Chairman Shvernik to President Truman requested him “to transmit to the people of the United States of America thanks for their greetings on the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Soviet State.” (861.458/11–2447) The Department informed the Embassy in instruction 2056 on November 13, that no member of Cabinet rank had attended the reception at the Embassy of the Soviet Union in Washington on November 7; that representation from the Department and the Armed Forces had been limited; and the prevailing atmosphere had remained cool. (861.415/11–1347)↩
- Nikolay Mikhailovich Shvernik was Chairman (President) of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Soviet Union.↩