Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Europe: Political and Economic Developments, Volume IV, Part 2

No. 775

700.00–May Day/5–151: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union ( Kirk) to the Secretary of State ¹

confidential
priority

Moscow, May 1, 1951—6 p.m.

1894. May Day demonstration Moscow as usual affected distribution newspapers to central Moscow. As of 1630 no papers delivered Emb.

Intermittent rains finally culminated sharp torrential downpour drenching massed marchers; parade called off 1500. (Spontaneous sic paraders obviously bedraggled). (Military aspects parade being reported separately by Service Attachés.)

Speech by Min Armed Forces Marshal Vasilevsky marked by unusually vehement attack USA (noticeably applauded by satellites in diplomatic tribune). US alone singled out as enemy preparing aggression against Sov Union (not just peace loving people in general) and as having rejected all Sov overtures re disarmament, atomic energy control etc. In contrast USSR busy building for peace, e.g. dams, hydroelectric works.

(Confidential: Burmese Amb and Indian Min Counselor among others loudly applauded march pass Sov cavalry.)

Protocol officials cool but correct towards US diplomatic personnel present distinguishing crudely Amers (both North and South) from rest of field (NATO colleagues etc.).²

Kirk

1. Repeated to Paris, London, Frankfurt, and the U.S. Mission at the United Nations at New York.

2. Joint Weeka 18 (MA 1081), from Moscow, May 4, commented upon the May Day demonstration as follows:

   “May Day line-up Red Square Tribunal saw all politburo and secretariat present except Andreev. Not felt he in disfavor since his picture prominently displayed with other mbrs on placards around city. Marshal Konev present for first time since May 1949.”

   Joint Weeka 18 also reported that the military portion of the May Day parade was generally smaller than in the past. (761.00(W)/5–451)