860F.00/2–2448: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France
573. For Caffery.1 We have been considering US attitude and possible [Page 736] courses of action in connection with the Czech developments.2 In so far as international affairs are concerned, a seizure of power by the Communist Party in Czechoslovakia would not materially alter in this respect the situation which has existed in the last three years. Czechoslovakia has faithfully followed the Soviet policy in the United Nations and elsewhere and the establishment of a Communist regime would merely crystallize and confirm for the future previous Czech policy. However, we are concerned at the probable repercussions in Western European countries of a successful Communist coup in Czechoslovakia without challenge or consequences. We feel that there is a real possibility that such a development in Czechoslovakia would stimulate and encourage Communist action in Western European countries, particularly in Italy.
We are exploring the possibility of tangible steps which might be best suited to deal with this situation. Please see Bidault3 urgently and see whether he has any suggestions as to joint US-UK-French action in the United Nations and elsewhere which might be helpful.
A similar message is being sent to Douglas.4
- Jefferson Caffery, Ambassador in France.↩
- The Communists and their allies carried out a seizure of power in Czechoslovakia during a Cabinet crisis from February 17 to 25. As a result of a dispute over Cabinet control of the police, twelve non-Communist ministers resigned from the Cabinet in protest on February 20. During the ensuing days the Communists and their allies intimidated the other parties and took over key positions by armed force, mass demonstrations, action committees, and other methods. On February 25 President Beneš accepted the resignation of the twelve non-Communist ministers and approved a new Cabinet headed by Premier Gottwald. The new Cabinet consisted chiefly of Communists and their allies. Throughout the crisis period, the Department received a steady stream of reports from the Embassy in Praha. For Ambassador Steinhardt’s subsequent analysis of the crisis, see despatch 309, April 30, from Praha, p. 747.↩
- Georges Bidault, French Foreign Minister.↩
- Lewis W. Douglas, Ambassador in the United Kingdom.↩