711.61/1–1749

Memorandum by the Counselor of the Department of State (Bohlen)

confidential

It is now quite clear that the Kremlin is activating a new “peace offensive”. The repetition by Marcel Cachin1 of his previous statement in the French Assembly concerning the possibility of adjustment between the U.S. and USSR and the support given to this thesis by [Page 559] Togliatti2 plus the attention which the Soviet press has been giving to this idea makes clear that it is a definite move in present Soviet policy. The fact that it is done publicly through stooges also reveals that it is a propaganda maneuver designed to confuse and disrupt western thinking, particularly in the United States, and not a serious move towards settlement.

All our experience indicates that when the Soviet Government wishes seriously to reach some form of settlement of one or another question this is done quietly and with no public fanfare. It is probable that the Kremlin is becoming more intelligent in relation to American public opinion and the current peace offensive is unquestionably designed to influence public and hence Congressional reaction to the ECA and the North Atlantic Pact and military supply programs which will soon be coming up.

The main question which we have to consider is how best publicly to deal with this maneuver if it continues and develops. It is important therefore that we get a Governmental attitude or line to be taken in dealing wih press inquiries which have already begun. We should develop a position which will not serve to further the Soviet propaganda purposes without on the other hand appearing to be knocking down a move towards peace.

In view of its importance you3 may care to discuss that with Acheson this afternoon when you see him and possibly have the matter brought to the attention of the President. In the meantime, I would suggest that in reply to questions to McDermott4 and elsewhere in the Department we should refrain from commenting on newspaper rumors or statements of Communist officials on the ground that they do not constitute anything official and are merely vague generalities.

Charles E. Bohlen
  1. Marcel Cachin was a leader in the French Communist Party and a member of the French Chamber of Deputies.
  2. Palmiro Togliatti was the Secretary General of the Italian Communist Party and a deputy in the Italian parliament.
  3. The person to whom reference is made was probably the Under Secretary of State James E. Webb.
  4. Michael J. McDermott was Special Assistant to the Secretary of State for Press Relations.