711.61/5–1148: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Durbrow) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
884. Majority west Europe diplomatic colleagues have visited me today were relieved to have apprehensions gained from Soviet press and BBC allayed by learning full content Ambassador’s remarks to Molotov. British Ambassador1 on whom I called this morning was plainly surprised at lack prior consultation his government and only slightly mollified by information in Deptel 527, May 102 pointing [Page 863] out Department’s communication to Inverchapel only delivered yesterday.
All reports reaction received today indicate Tass release has effectively attained local objective of allaying public apprehension suggested Embassy 880, May 11. Soviet population apparently greatly relieved, feeling their government was strong enough to make USA appeal for settlement and convinced everything will soon be patched up.
Since local reaction probably typical bulk of popular reaction throughout world we must spare no effort straighten the record and recover the ground lost to Soviets in this deceitful and effective attack. Question must be kept to forefront by all information media at our command along lines suggested Embtel 882, May 113 and by release appropriate official declarations and background information. Meanwhile, we should exercise great care to do nothing to increase damage or confirm impression of American appeasement which Soviet release attempts to create. In this connection, widespread publicity might well be given to fact Ambassador Smith is quietly fishing in Normandy.
Sent Department 884, Department pass Paris 130 for Ambassador Smith, London 52.