861.111/10–1948: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Smith) to the Secretary of State
2381.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
It is possible, of course, that Soviet authorities will adhere in future to their stated position that travel is permitted in areas of Soviet Union not included on forbidden list. We are inclined believe, however, that this is “honeymoon” period designed to overcome unfavorable VOUSA news break and give Soviet GADel ammunition for debates on disarmament and atomic inspection and control; also that timing measures may have been calculated on likelihood few diplomats would [Page 929] take advantage travel during fall-winter season. While prior “permission” technically not required, it is clear Intourist1 does not and will not make travel arrangements without clearance from Foreign Office. Consequently we are profiting to maximum during GA session and prior onslaught real winter, but believe real test of Soviet intentions in practice will only come next Spring and Summer.
Nevertheless fact remains that over 75 percent inhabitable area of nation covering one-sixth surface globe is forbidden territory for officials of foreign governments accredited that country and that special regulations are in effect which practically confine their everyday movements to Moscow city limits. Moreover, while foreign correspondents in Moscow have been unable get written confirmation, they have already learned in practice that local automobile restrictions are applied to them. In past they have never been allowed to travel outside auto range except with special permission and/or on specially conducted tours.
Embassy’s recommendations on possibility retaliatory action in US will follow by despatch.2
Sent Department 2381, Department pass Paris for Gadel 495.
- Intourist was the All-Union Society for Foreign Tourism in the Soviet Union, the official travel agency rendering transportation services and selling tours within the Soviet Union.↩
- The Embassy explained in despatch No. 801 from Moscow on November 13, not printed, that it had received a note from the Foreign Ministry dated October 27 which had contained some clarification of certain aspects it had inquired about in its note of October 4 (see footnote 5, p. 923). Meanwhile, a number of trips had been taken to areas not included on the forbidden list. The Embassy concluded in its despatch that it “has therefore preferred to postpone the formulation of its recommendations concerning possible retaliatory action in the United States on the movements of Soviet officials until the Ministry had clarified certain aspects of its original note.” Since this had been accomplished, the Embassy expected to send to the Department in the near future “its views on the advisability of retaliation.” (861.111/11–1348)↩