Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume IV

861.415/11–847: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Smith) to the Secretary of State

restricted

Moscow, November 8, 1947—7 p. m.

3183. Assume full text Molotov 30th anniversary speech available Department, text nevertheless being pouched.¹ Speech interesting as much for implications as substance. Speech is public declaration of world-wide destiny of Communism “to which all roads lead.” General theme calls for militant consolidation and extension Communism throughout world, highlights inevitable fall of capitalism and replacement by Socialism-Communism, implies revolutionary situation developing which “demands unity all forces anti-imperialist and democratic camp.”

Following seem major highlights as seen from Moscow:

1. Molotov’s new division Soviet history into three periods of (1) consolidation revolution at home, (2) late war, (3) period postwar development, which carries implication Communism expanding from well-established Socialist base in USSR.

2. Speech continues use of war devastation as excuse for failure increase living standard. Despite boast bumper harvest and attainment pre-war industrial output level, Soviet people must again be content with promise “all conditions have been created in our country for rapid rise of standard living of all people and further enhancement of might of Soviet state.”

3. Statement “both science and practice graphically show, while foundation of Socialism in Soviet Union is growing firmer with every passing day, pillars of capitalist society in Europe have long been rotten through and through”, followed by description of advance Socialism in eastern Europe, implies ripening revolutionary situation in France and England which has become historical necessity for both countries.

4. In reviewing past international relations Soviet regime exclusively in terms capitalist encirclement and hostility, Molotov makes plain Stalin’s “international cooperation” policy has no chance success. Therefore, “task is to unite all anti-imperialist and democratic forces of peoples into one mighty camp cemented by common vital interests, against imperialist and anti-democratic camp and its policy of enthralling nations and of indulging in new adventures.”

5. Decrying capitalist rottenness, Molotov not only boasts that Soviet Union has atomic bomb secret,² but warns capitalists should not play dangerous game with their own destiny clearly implying monolithic Communistic structure could survive [atomic?] world conflict, capitalist structure would not.

6. This theme is further developed in peroration by full endorsement of Cominform and statement “united forces of democracy and Socialism in Europe and outside Europe, together incomparably stronger than opposing anti-democratic camp of imperialism.”³ Interesting note in contrast to hundred previous statements to contrary Molotov frankly asserts world Communism “can no longer be directed from one center,” an illuminating admission of true nature of Comintern.

Smith

1. Despatch 1823 with the text of Molotov’s speech of November 6 at the solemn session of the Moscow Soviet was sent on November 13; not printed. (861.9111/11–1347) For comments on the anniversary speech by Zhdanov in 1946, see telegram 4096 from Moscow on November 8, and telegram 4105 from Moscow on November 10, Foreign Relations, 1946, vol. vi, pp. 801 and 804.

   The total of 84 slogans prepared for this anniversary was sent in despatch 1824 from Moscow on November 13, also not printed, with the comment that they were very similar to the slogans of the year before and contained little of unusual interest, although the special tribute to Stalin was not repeated. (861.9111/11–1347) Stalin himself spent the anniversary at Sochi. For comparison of the slogans in 1946, see telegram 4055 from Moscow on November 2, ibid., p. 799.

2. According to the text of his speech sent in despatch 1823 from Moscow on November 13, Molotov said: “It is known that a new and curious religion has been spreading in US expansionist circles: lack of faith in their own internal forces is balanced by faith in the secret of the atom bomb, although this secret has long ceased to exist. (Prolonged applause).” (861.9111/11–1347)
3. Articles in the Soviet press interpreting Molotov’s speech were summarized in airgram A–1245 from Moscow on November 19. With respect to this thought “these articles appear to be designed to inspire both pride and confidence in Soviet citizen; pride in achievements of USSR and its growing influence in world affairs and confidence in the government and the party. The emphasis which these articles place on growing strength of Soviet Union seems at once to be both an attempt to convince people that government is truly pursuing a policy of peace and at same time to develop such a strong sense of self-confidence in the people that they would remain unaffected by any possible Soviet defeats at London CFM or elsewhere on political propaganda front.” (861.415/11–1947)