751.001/12–2750: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Bohlen) to the Secretary of State
3645. Dual themes developed by Thorez1 in his September report to Party Central Committee that peace hangs by thread, but war is not inevitable, still are regularly echoed by CPF organs here. On [Page 1452] one hand possibility of general war despite Soviet efforts to prevent it remains explicit in French Communist argumentation. Militants are reminded never underestimate grave threat to peace represented by US plans for world conquest. On other hand, still heavier stress is given theme of efficacy of world peace movement as war preventive. Its forces if properly organized are now held be stronger than those of imperialist camp. Thus while prophesying war, CPF propaganda continues concentrate main attention on argument war may be averted “while there is still time” by growing unity and efforts of world “peace front”.
According reliable sources close to CPF, Communists and fellow-travelers who lately expressed acute fear of general war are becoming more and more encouraged by what they regard as increasing success of “peace” line. Turn of events in Korea, which they see as radically changing international picture, have of course contributed in no small part to this renewal of confidence. It is further noteworthy, however, that our failure use atomic bomb despite our reverses in Korea is firmly regarded in these circles as triumph for Stockholm Appeal and vindication of popular mass action for “peace”. Allegation we have not “dared” resort atomic weapon in face of consciously alerted world opinion is being adroitly exploited in campaign to reinforce unity of action within “peace front”. While reflecting renewed confidence, party leaders are still careful warn against undue optimism. They point out that US is now making serious preparations for war which could break out unless “all peace forces” are effectively mobilized and for that reason intensification of “peace campaign” remains most important task at hand.
In carrying out that task in France, CPF is now mobilizing “peace” forces in vigorous drive in opposition to German rearmament. CPF Politburo has given anti-German rearmament campaign top priority as well as top billing in Communist press and is according it virtually undivided attention. As in its recent attempt to divert neutralist current to its own ends, CPF is entrusting organizational initiative of campaign to Peace Partisans in order penetrate and win over widest possible strata of French opinion against same ideological backdrop of defense of “national independence”. First major step was taken Christmas weekend by Peace Combatants who proceeded set up local plant and village committees and initiated nationwide door-to-door canvass (modeled on that of Stockholm Appeal) for purpose of collecting signed “ballots” which are designed constitute national “vote” in opposition German rearmament. So far more than two million “ballots” have been circulated throughout country. This Communist-sponsored campaign now in process of launching may be expected [Page 1453] develop with mounting intensity and much variety over coming weeks and months. Like similar campaigns previously developed within framework “defense of peace”, its central purpose is clearly spread disunity and paralyze or retard Western defense to greatest possible extent, while simultaneously reinforcing world “peace front” in whose rising strength and unity Communists affirm sole safeguard against general war now resides.
Department pass Moscow. Sent Department 3645; repeated information Moscow 148, Rome 266, London 895, Berlin 33, Frankfort 432. Berlin Eastern element.
- Maurice Thorez, leader of the Communist Party of France (CPF). An analysis of current speculation as to the possible causes and consequences of his illness and subsequent departure on November 11 for the Soviet Union was presented in despatch 1373 from Paris, November 29, not printed. (751.001/11–2950)↩