Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, Central and Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume IV

124.613/8–150: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union

confidential

Washington, August 7, 1950—5 p. m.

104. Embtel 257 Aug 1.¹ As Emb aware Sov Govt on past occasions has attempted to identify Rev John Brassard with Emb and USGov. We have continued maintain position that Brassard is, as were his predecessors, private Amer citizen who proceeded to and resident in USSR by virtue provisions Roosevelt Litvinov agreement.

Emb therefore not authorized employ Brassard. Dept desires no indication be given that USGov in any way has moderated its position or accepts Sov pretentions Brassard has official status.

Acheson

1. As Father Brassard had encountered continued delay from the Soviet authorities in performing his religious functions, the Embassy in this telegram, not printed, had asked for authority to employ Father Brassard as a part time general clerk for duty in the Embassy library at a stipend of $2850. (124.613/8–150)