761.00/3–2248: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Smith) to the Secretary of State
520. It is possible and I have heard rumors which tend to confirm that Stalin may dust off one of many inquiries which correspondents are continually sending him and make reply, emphasizing as in past “peaceful intentions Soviet Union and its basic policy of not interfering in internal affairs of other countries” etc., in contrast to imperialistic policies US, UK and France. This gambit, such as replies to Gilmore,1 Wirth,2 Stassen,3 etc.,4 or merely strong unsolicited statement by Stalin has worked very well in past to confuse issue, cause many innocent people abroad, particularly newspaper editors, to believe Stalin is crying “Uncle” and Soviets are changing their basic policies.
Experience has shown that when such statement is made, it is imperative to remain even firmer rather than to drop one’s guard in mistaken belief such statements have real substances.
In order prevent new propaganda move of this character from beclouding realities of present situation, I strongly recommend Department immediately prepare for release at press conference or by spokesman, as background, statement which would be published at same time as any future Stalin statement, reminding world of previous statements made by Stalin and other high Soviet officials and their failure to produce any basic changes in Soviet tactics or strategy. We should, of course, welcome any friendly statement made by Stalin, but warn that actions speak louder than words and that, while we hope his protestations may represent real substance, we must await their concrete implementation before giving any credence to them whatsoever.
- Eddy Lanier King Gilmore, the representative of the Associated Press in Moscow, had submitted three questions on March 19, 1946, which Stalin answered on March 22. See telegram 920 from Moscow on March 23, Foreign Relations, 1946, vol. vi, p. 725.↩
- Alexander Werth, British newspaper correspondent in Moscow, had submitted nine questions on September 17, 1946, which were answered by Stalin on September 23. See telegram 3562 from Moscow on September 24, and telegram 3572 from Moscow on September 25, ibid., p. 784, and p. 786.↩
- Concerning an interview between the American politician Harold Stassen and Stalin on April 9, 1947, see telegram 1343 from Moscow on April 14, ibid., 1947, vol. iv, p. 552.↩
- Stalin also had been engaged in a lengthy question and answer exchange with Hugh Baillie, President of the United Press, which was published in the New York Times, October 29, 1946, p. 1. See telegram 4016 from Moscow on October 30, Foreign Relations, 1946, vol. vi, p. 794, and the editorial note, p. 798.↩