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

711.61/11–1547: Telegram

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

secret

Moscow, November 15, 1947—6 p. m.

3222. With creation Cominform, particularly propaganda aspects and vicious anti-American campaign Soviet controlled press and at UN, plus possible Soviet use revolutionary tactics, it is increasingly clear most effective way to combat Kremlin efforts nullify our aid program and extend its control is to expose to world the realities of Soviet policies and the facts of life in countries where Soviet totalitarian methods exist. As long as myth of Communist paradise persists in minds of substantial section of European masses, Soviet propaganda will continue to be effective weapon against any recovery plans. Just talking about our type democracy, reiterating the unselfishness of our aims and pouring billions in goods into Europe is not sufficient if large section European population is not made cognizant basic untruth of Soviet propaganda.

I hope the Department has been able to initiate some of the measures suggested mytels 2094, June 10; 2349, July 5; and 2769, September 3.¹ To be effective such campaign should be on continuing factual “little steps for little feet” basis using primarily first hand sources. I do not have in mind an all-out propaganda campaign but rather the adoption of research and organizational measures to enable us methodically, objectively and factually to expose false Soviet assertions, debunk Soviet propaganda, and clarify our own policies.

In addition to suggestions made in reference telegrams, following methods and sources might be useful.

(1) Inconsistencies in Soviet claims and consistency in basic policies are too often forgotten. Like Hitler in Mein Kampf, Lenin, Stalin and other Soviet spokesmen have continued to lay their souls bare and tell the world their objectives, despite periodic eyewash statements to the contrary. We should bring out this fact by liberal quotes from these authors showing the consistency of policy, unjustified claims and unfulfilled promises for the past 30 years.

(2) Recall Molotov’s statement on non-interference when Rumania surrendered, contrasting it with what actually happened. Show fate of many liberal leaders who thought they could get along with Communists, Petkov, Mikolajczyk, Nugy, Bierut, Tatarescu emphasizing creeping paralysis which overcomes all who accept Communist embrace.

(3) Show that under fully planned economy essential not only allocate materials but also labor to various types of work whether desired or not so that labor loses individuality and becomes a chattel like a draft animal to be used where boss thinks best. Point up recent regimentation and militarization of Soviet civilian services (i.e. miners, river fleet workers, etc.). Plight of children taken into factory schools to work where assigned by government (Embtel 2298, June 28; 2460, July 18; A–717, July 19; A–872, Aug. 30; A–1131, Oct. 31);² control of workers through labor books; that trade unions have no say in wages arbitrarily fixed by government (Embdes 1571, Aug. 25³ and subsequent labor notes); cost consumers goods arbitrarily set by government emphasizing trebling prices 1946; use data from court reports and publicize heavy sentences for what would be misdemeanors in west; type of work done by Soviet women, (Embdesp 1724, Oct. 11³).

(4) Make available to American and European masses full quotes from Soviet intensive campaign during past year in effort “sell glories” of regime to Soviet people and endeavor to instill patriotism in them. It is sad commentary on effectiveness of regime which after 30 years has to beg, plead, threaten its citizens to believe in ideology and be patriotic.

(5) Point out plight Soviet wives married foreigners impossibility Soviet citizens to travel abroad for pleasure or emigration purposes; difficulties of foreigners to obtain Soviet visas and travel freely in country as striking commentary on regime which fears to let its citizens see other countries or to permit foreigners see freely for themselves realities of Soviet life.

(6) Work up statistics to contrast productivity American workers to Soviet workers, (e.g. 78 million Soviet farm population required feed, not too well, 194 million, while 26 million American farmers feed 140 million Americans and still feed millions abroad).

(7) Use table similar that used correspondent Paul Ward to show how many hours Soviet citizens have to work to earn loaf bread or suit, etc., compared American worker.

(8) Explain totalitarian nature of regime and give factual account of actual structure of minority party dominated government (Mydesp No. 1636, September 20⁴).

(9) Publish texts of 1939–40 Molotov talks and agreements with Nazis.

(10) Quote from Molotov and other Soviets pro-Nazi statements 1939–41 (OWI report No. 4250, March 25, 1947).

(11) Give conservative objective figures on actual size Soviet Army, long compulsory military service, etc., as compared ours.

(12) Publish figures on hundreds of thousands Soviet troops who turned traitor during war and joined Wehrmacht.

(13) Publish figures of Soviet officers and men now deserting our zone Germany.

(14) Obtain from these men, as well as full-fledged Soviet DPs (not from newly acquired territories) factual, unexaggerated statements of their own plight under Soviet regime, emphasizing 1933 famine, forced labor, low wages and standard of living, (get story from Boldyreff group Casablanca’s despatch 686, October 7⁵).

(15) To counteract Soviet attacks on plight of minorities in West remind world of fate of Volga German and Ingushi minorities.

(16) Remind public of number of treaties, non-aggression pacts, and other agreements which Soviets have broken.

In contrast to real Soviet picture, we should give factual account of our type capitalism, how many workers own stock in factories, small amount of piece-rate work US compared to large percentage Soviet Union, amount of US social security, etc. Above everything else, and by all possible means, counteract the terrible and developing fear of imminent war which is overpowering Europe and which Soviet Union is fostering by “warmonger” propaganda in order to retard economic recovery. If this fear is materially lessened the greatest deterrent to the accomplishment of the Marshall Plan will have been removed, and a strong moral incentive to return to constructive work will be provided.

If material such as above is to be made readily available in concise form for our press, radio and other agencies for disseminating information, all of which must be utilized to the maximum possible extent, it will be necessary to build up a small but strong staff to concentrate on this work, capable people who have served in Moscow, or who are now serving here can be obtained and held. Obviously if information not well documented and objective it would boomerang and small sum to pay substantial attractive salaries to these persons would be drop in ocean compared money saved through effective campaign.

One of the most effective media to counteract Soviet claims and propaganda is through our delegation at UN. Special counter-propaganda secretariat should be set up. It should be provided with complete well indexed files to make immediately available detailed quotations from previous Soviet statements or announced theories Lenin, Stalin and others so that our delegates can immediately reply or ask pertinent questions and thus nullify propaganda effects on [of?] Soviet claims by having refutations appear in same news item with Soviet charges (i.e. type data Embtel 2914, Sept. 24⁶). Soviets use this method very effectively against US but their shifting tactics, untrue claims and consistent revolutionary policies are most vulnerable to continual exposure. They count on short memories. We must take this weapon from them.

Secretary Harriman asked to have our ideas on this subject.⁷

Smith

1. Last two telegrams not printed.
2. None printed.
3. Not printed.
3. Not printed.
4. Not printed.
5. Not printed. Under the leadership of a White Russian refugee named Boldyreff (Boldyryev), who had organized in the American zone in Germany a few thousands of displaced persons, mostly Soviet citizens who were opposed to any return to the Soviet Union, small groups of these displaced persons had arrived in Morocco between July and September. More were expected to come. They had located near Casablanca, and were finding gainful employment.
6. Not printed.
7. In telegram 1957 to Moscow on November 18, 6 p. m., Acting Secretary Lovett expressed great appreciation for the helpful suggestions in this telegram, as being an important contribution to the line along which the Department was now working in combatting anti-American propaganda in the Soviet Union. (711.61/11–1547)