Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume V

501.BB/8–1240: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State

secret

Moscow, August 12, 1949—6 p. m.

2019. In recent months, Soviet “peace offensive” has been central theme almost all Soviet public utterances and activities in the international sphere.¹ Soviet campaign for peace has manifested itself most graphically in a series of Soviet-inspired conferences that have taken place in New York, Paris and Prague, and similar conferences are scheduled for Mexico City and Moscow immediately prior GA.

No present indications that modifications this line GA likely (Depcirtel July 26 and Circ Agams June 7 and July 14).² Speculation as to tactics in pursuance offensive, however, believed more complicated than heretofore, owing relative lack evidence tactical innovations Vyshinski might introduce. Recent developments US disinflation process appear have prominent influence on Soviet thinking and further course of that process in intervening weeks might appreciably affect Soviet planning GA. Assuming Soviet reliance continuance recession US and aggravation Britain’s crisis, possible Soviets may extend through GA tactics marking time which characterized Paris CFM. Based this reasoning, it could be expected new dramatic moves might be minimized and specific proposals limited.

On other hand, Soviets could determine desirable, as heretofore, introduce highsounding resolution designed focus peace offensive.³ Prediction nature such resolution manifestly increasingly difficult in circumstances but proposal withdrawal armed forces inside borders own country or further disarmament proposal would seem to us among best probabilities. This connection, suggest Department review Embtel 1706, August 21, 1948⁴ re Soviet strategy 1948 GA. Believe predictions and comments therein still valid in large part.

In any event, Soviet delegation will, in all probability, continue vociferous adherence peace propaganda in discussions of agenda items along lines already developed. Thus, although Soviet delegation may not throw German and Japanese settlements into GA in any formal manner, it is evident from propaganda accompaniment and sequel Paris CFM that Soviets, will endeavor bolster their case for leadership world peace movement by indications their readiness participate in early conclusion definitive peace settlements Germany and Japan. Gromyko proposals for settlement Greek strife will also be rehashed; possibly one of satellite delegations will take initiative here. Reports of atomic energy and disarmament commissions will be used by Soviets to repeat and amplify positions their representatives have taken in these commissions which will be described as demonstrating the strong Soviet desire for peace and disarmament (Pravda editorial Embtel 1950 August 5⁴).

Accompanying positive assertions with respect to the desire of the Soviet Government and “democratic peoples throughout the world” for peace, there will undoubtedly be a vicious Soviet onslaught on the Atlantic Pact which will likely be depicted as a decisive advance from “warmongering” to material implementation US plans for initiation third world war. It would not be entirely surprising if a Soviet resolution were presented in which the GA would be asked to express the opinion that the Atlantic Pact violates the spirit arid letter of the UN Charter as well as existing treaties between the USSR and certain Western European members of the UN (not to mention the Italian Peace Treaty). Though such resolution would face defeat, Soviets might feel that they could in obtaining support their satellites, get a few votes from Near Eastern, Asian and perhaps even Latin American govts disgruntled at exclusion from Pact or timid in their support Western policies. Furthermore, a defeat on such a resolution could be trumpeted as result of notorious United States “mechanical majority.” Soviet delegation will hammer charge that Atlantic Pact and MAP aimed at destruction USSR and will endeavor support assertions by reference recent European visit USJCS and by quotations from American press re US strategic plans. In discussion US military offensive, Soviets likely review work of current Geneva Conference on Protection of War Prisoners (Moscow airgram A–726, July 12⁵) to show US determination use atomic and bacteriological instruments to achieve its nefarious ends and emphasizing moral aspects use such weapons. Attempt will be made to show that Marshall plan, Western Union, Atlantic Pact, MAP, etc. all represent US effort achieve world hegemony and to make Western Europe colonial appendage US as necessary prelude attack USSR.

ECOSOC report on UN point 4 Program for Economic Aid to Underdeveloped Countries will be attacked as US plan for enslaving non-European parts of world and as attempt US monopoly capitalism to escape consequences economic crisis US. This latter topic will be utilized by Soviets in all discussions economic questions and will also be interwoven in Soviet analysis of the propulsion of American capitalism to war along classic Marxist-Leninist lines. In discussions bearing on human rights (Bulgaria and Hungary, International Bill of Human Rights) Soviet delegation will unloose barrage aimed at recent actions of US Government and non-Communist governments Europe and Asia to restrict Communist activities. Restriction Communist activities will be twisted into suppression of democratic freedoms. In discussions this kind, Soviets will exploit to full Paul Robeson⁶ visit Moscow and alleged disabilities American Negroes.

Difficult predict exactly how Soviet delegation will utilize Chinese Communist victory in its GA propaganda themes except in a general way to bolster assertions that peoples of world are now following Soviet leadership for peace and prosperity. No doubt discussions Korean and Indonesian questions, Soviet spokesmen will state that peoples of Asia are showing in China a resolution to cast off chains American and European imperialism.

We may anticipate that question East-West trade will be emphasized by Soviet delegation on every possible occasion, though perhaps Polish delegation will be detailed this particular chore.

Question Italian colonies emphasis presumably will be to confuse issues with tactical purpose of endeavoring spotlight West as imperialistically haggling over disposition spoils to detriment local populations. Expect Soviets to eye local reaction at expense effect in Italy.

While could reason Soviet acceptance US, UK and French March 20 [1948] proposal Trieste⁷ attractive in light Soviet campaign against Tito, etc., believe fact that action (1) would constitute direct about-face and (2) would be deemed by Soviets likely increase Tito’s popular support Yugoslavs, probably controlling deterrents.

Sent Department 2019, repeated London 206, Paris 304, pouched Warsaw.

Kirk

1. For additional documentation on the United States attitude toward the peace offensive of the Soviet Union, see pp. 806 ff.
2. None printed.
3. For documentation regarding the attitude of the United States toward the Soviet Union’s peace propaganda resolution on “the preparations for a new war,” proposed to the fourth regular session of the General Assembly, see vol. ii, pp. 72 ff.
4. Not printed.
4. Not printed.
5. Not printed.
6. Paul Robeson, the American Negro baritone, concluded a European tour with a visit to the Soviet Union, June 5–15, where he was feted.
7. See the memorandum from the Department of State to the Embassy of the Soviet Union, March 20, 1948, Foreign Relations, 1948, vol. iii, p. 517.