711.5/7–2150: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 21—5:41 p. m.]
183. Needless to say President’s address to nation on 19 July is inspiring and already gives great encouragement. It is particularly [Page 444] gratifying to note that the word “Communist” has been used to name the aggressor, and the avoidance of referring directly to Soviets.
In this connection, we and all the world know what government has inspired this attack in Korea, but it is currently advisable to employ the term “Communist” to stigmatize the aggressor, Restraint for the moment will let the door stay partly open, at least, and give time for other events to produce their effect.
I continue to feel it is prudent to keep from engaging directly personal prestige of Stalin as well as of Politburo and Soviet Government, for there still is no evidence available here to show Soviets intend precipitate full scale world war. What moves Kremlin may be planning are not yet discernible, but it does seem their position remains sufficiently flexible to allow retreat under some formula which they might themselves devise. I would incline towards expectation of period of detente until military position develops further.
Of course the speedier the action taken by the Congress, and otherwise, to implement the President’s program, the greater will be the effect not only upon the Politburo but also upon waverers elsewhere.
Reply to Nehru by Secretary State1 likewise brings clearly into focus primary source of threat to peace in Korea, while at same time dissipating misty proposition concerning China seat in UN. We already see how well British Government has come forward to make it’s position known to world on these issues.
Department pass London, Paris. Repeated information London 61, Paris 49.