Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, General; the United Nations, Volume I, Part 1

501.BC Atomic/10–448: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, in Paris

secret
urgent

Washington, October 5, 1948—2 p.m.

Telmar 38. From Lovett for Marshall. Ref Martel 29, Oct 4¹ (repeated in part to New York for Baruch). Baruch proceeding with preparation press statement but prior to its release has requested that following suggestions be passed along to you:

1. He is of strong opinion that Austin, Osborn and Arneson² should extend all efforts to line up doubtful votes through personal conversations with other delegations.

2. Soviet propaganda should be rebutted by Paris team on the spot through medium French press and radio.

3. He expresses trepidation that if above is not done,³ a press statement by him might give appearance that he is interjecting himself independently in matter within competence Paris team with possibility embarrassing Austin, et al.⁴

4. Therefore, although it has been made clear to him that you have specifically requested his assistance on simultaneous attack re Soviet propaganda, Baruch indicates desire that it be made clear that your request still stands in light of foregoing. Reply requested soonest.⁵

5. Bedell Smith was with Baruch time of our call and expressed his concurrence Baruch’s views particularly regarding 1.

Following for Arneson from Lovett. Chase⁶ proceeding to New York today to assist Baruch but will return as soon as possible to help Russell’s office in preparation material for major broadcast program on same subject to follow Baruch’s statement.

Lovett

1. In telegram Martel 15, September 28, not printed, the Secretary of State had informed Lovett that he believed it desirable that Baruch make an early statement on atomic energy “offsetting Vyshinsky’s attack.” (501.BC Atomic/9–2848) In telegram Telmar 21, September 29, not printed, Lovett indicated that Baruch was preparing a statement, but “would appreciate a draft which Arneson could prepare of what you would like him to say.” (501.BB/9–2848) Arneson and Osborn submitted certain points which Baruch might make, rather than offering the complete text of a statement, in telegram Martel 29, October 4, not printed. (501.BC Atomic/10–448)
2. R. Gordon Arneson, Adviser, United States Delegation; Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of State for atomic energy policy.
3. The Secretary of State’s telegram Martel 37, October 6, read as follows:

   “Reurtelmar 38. We have been urgently doing as is suggested in Baruch’s Paragraphs 1 and 2. What I wanted fast was counter-propaganda campaign started in US since build-up reaction to Vyshinsky’s last clever proposal had been serious,” (501.BC Atomic/10–648)

4. Telegram 1101 from New York, October 7, contained a further explanation by Baruch of his position, which read as follows:

   “As to stimulating sentiment on the soundness of the American position and supporting it in the face of the attacks made by Vishinsky, that is already under way. No sooner had I heard from the General through you than I began to work with various elements of the press and radio so that the American position would be strongly supported by American public opinion. That effort is already bearing fruit. Editorials of the type that the Herald Tribune printed yesterday, Tuesday, and reprinted in Paris, Wednesday, are being published throughout America. So are supporting commentaries on the air. The counter-propaganda is well under way.

   As to a statement from me, without a formal request that I make it, I and my associates are quite certain that this would be unwise and too self-serving to be effective. It would look as if I were patting myself on the back without any seeming justification for that action. More particularly since the problem clearly is in Paris, not this country, and I am not at all certain what action the situation there calls for.

   If the Department were to ask me for support, it would be my duty as well as my privilege as an American. But, as I say, unless the request were made, it would look as if I were merely tooting my own horn and I question the wisdom of the Department making such a request.

   I should be glad to talk to General Marshall on his arrival and I hold myself in readiness to answer any call he, or you, may make”. (501.BC Atomic/10–748)

5. Telegram Telmar 45, October 6 (based on telegram 1099 from New York, October 6, not printed), read as follows:

   “Baruch indicates willingness to make statement on atomic energy debate provided (1) he be permitted to indicate Secretary Marshall’s suggestion prompted statement and (2) statement will be Baruch’s and will not be submitted for prior Department approval. Baruch additionally desires that these two facts will be made clear to press by Baruch. Is this agreeable?” (501.BC Atomic/10–648)

   Marshall’s reply, telegram Martel 40, October 8, read as follows:

   “Reur Telmar 45, I fear Conditions set by Baruch, particularly the first, will destroy purpose for which originally intended. Hold this until my arrival.” (501.BC Atomic/10–848)

6. Joseph Chase of the Office of the Under Secretary of State; Staff Member, United States Delegation to the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission, 1946–1948.