No. 761

601.6111/1–2951: Telegram

The Chargé in the Soviet Union ( Barbour ) to the Secretary of State 1

secret

1428. Embassy’s views re desirability imposition reciprocal restrictions Soviet officials in US have frequently been reported and are considered still valid. Since matter will undoubtedly be discussed EE chiefs of mission conference Paris January 30 to February 2,2 Embassy will not comment specifically Depcirairgram December 14, 3:05 p.m.3 this time.

However, believe important in determining advisability action re Soviet officials as distinguished from satellite officials that we give adequate weight to distinction which seems evident in mind Soviets between importance it attaches to its own representation US as compared satellites. Distinction is reflected in fact that, while they are anything but cooperative with US Embassy Moscow, Soviets have not yet taken steps similar to satellites to reduce size this establishment presumably because unpalatability reciprocal action US. If we should take measures effectively limiting activities Soviet Embassy in US we might cause Soviets reexamine situation to our detriment.

Furthermore, Soviets might be additionally motivated in present circumstances to welcome opportunity to force reduction this Embassy in relation to British and French as a further move toward isolating US. To avoid possibility our action could lead to such development, we think it virtually essential that before instituting reciprocal restrictions on Soviets we obtain agreement British and French to take parallel action (London’s telegram 4115, January 254). Only consideration we feel would justify unilateral US reprisal at this time would be determination that US security requirements are overriding.

Barbour
  1. Repeated to Paris for Kirk and to London.
  2. Regarding this conference, see telegram 4559 from Paris, Document 610.
  3. See Foreign Relations, 1950, vol. iv, p. 60.
  4. Not printed.