249.1111–Oatis, William/8–1851: Telegram
The Ambassador in Czechoslovakia (Briggs) to the Secretary of State
132. In absence on vacation FonMin Siroky, I called this morning on acting FonMin Sekaninova pursuant instructions Deptel 114 Aug 16.1
I recalled that when presenting credentials nearly two years ago I had sought dedicate my service here to constructive possibilities my mission with which objective President Gottwald had indicated his agreement.2 In subsequent discussions FonMin’s dementis and Siroky, especially with latter April last year, I had tried develop [Page 1402] same possibilities. But as Mme. Sekaninova aware obstacle has now arisen to good relations which unless removed can render them still more difficult. I then proceeded as per last paragraph Deptel in ref, without specifically mentioning Oatis case. Described purpose my visit was to reiterate way ought to be found without further delay to remove obstacle and place relations on more favorable basis.
At conclusion my remarks Mme. Sekaninova after considerable pause asked whether all these matters had not already been discussed between FonMin and me during recent meetings notably last month, to which I replied that the situation had indeed been discussed but that purpose my call was to contribute if possible to removal of obstacle rather than to discuss how it had arisen.
Mme. Sekaninova said my observations would be conveyed to Siroky on his return “in about ten days or two weeks”. Her failure to respond more constructively probably need not however, be regarded as significant as she lacks independent authority and customarily informs callers their views will be reported to appropriate official.
- Telegram 114 stated that the Department of State was prepared to put into effect the course of action dealing with the Oatis case approved by the President but instructed Ambassador Briggs first to inform Foreign Minister Široký privately of the intended U.S. actions. Such an approach would give Czechoslovakia an opportunity to settle the Oatis case before publicity attending the export embargo made further Czechoslovak action difficult. Briggs was to avoid mentioning the Oatis case, was to refer to existing obstacles to better relations between the two countries, could point out the state of feeling in the United States as reflected in various resolutions introduced in Congress, and was to indicate that failure by Czechoslovakia to take any action would lead to cutting off of all U.S. exports to Czechoslovakia. (249.1111–Oatis, William/8–1451)↩
- Regarding Briggs’ presentation of credentials as Ambassador on November 8, 1949, see telegram 1671, November 8, 1949, Foreign Relations, 1949, vol. v, p. 412.↩