860F.00/11–2949: Telegram

The Ambassador in Czechoslovakia ( Briggs ) to the Secretary of State

secret

1767. Though Embassy inclined to view as academic differences between British attitude and that of Embassy Moscow toward possibility Clementis defection (re Moscow’s 2926, November 25) it does not share Moscow’s surprise at British contention.1 Without intention discount previous propaganda and possible intelligence benefits his defection, nor with any intention give impression his influence on basic policy is decisive, Embassy feels it is important to understand that he constitutes definite moderating influence in our day to day relations with Czechoslovak Government, in which it is most helpful to be able to deal with relatively reasonable person who understands West.

Sent Department 1767, repeated London 46. Department pass Moscow 30.

Briggs
  1. Telegram 4100, November 14, to London, repeated to Praha as 1147, not printed, reviewed recent reports that Foreign Minister Clementis, in New York as the head of the Czechoslovak Delegation to the United Nations General Assembly, might be contemplating to defect. The Department viewed the reports with skepticism (860F.00/11–1449). Telegrams 4574, November 16 and 4757, November 29, from London, neither printed, reported that officers of the British Foreign Office felt it would be in the best interests of the West if Clementis returned to Czechoslovakia and continued either as Foreign Minister or as a dissident Communist (860F.00/11–1649 and 860F.00/11–2949). Telegram 2926, November 25, from Moscow, not printed, expressed surprise at the British view and suggested that every effort be made to encourage Clementis to defect (860F.00/11–2549).