Office of the Historian

396.1–PA/4–451: Telegram

The Chargé in France (Bohlen) to the Secretary of State

top secret
niact
Paris, April 4, 1951—2 p. m.

5920. Eyes only for Secretary from Jessup and Bohlen. We have serious doubts as to advisability of procedure suggested in Deptel 5207, April 3 for following reasons:

1.
It is almost impossible to arrange a special meeting alone with any member of the Soviet delegation in such fashion as to avoid comment.
2.
In any case, Lavrentiev in our opinion would not be the proper person to approach. It is our distinct impression that Gromyko pays little attention to Lavrentiev. (For example: At luncheons although Lavrentiev understands no English, Gromyko conducts luncheon conversations entirely in English without even bothering to interpret or consult with Lavrentiev.) It is, therefore, highly doubtful even if discreet meeting could be arranged that Lavrentiev would in any sense give Soviet reaction to Korean situation.
3.
Gromyko has reputation of being very sensitive as to his position and might easily resent going behind his back on matter of this character. We would have to assume it would be immediately reported to him and Gromyko’s reaction might cause complications with danger of leakage if not approach to French and British.

Although he is stationed in Berlin, it is our impression that Semenov1 has more standing than Lavrentiev and is furthermore more clear-headed and competent individual. The only opportunity of a private conversation of this nature with Semenov would be during the tea interval at conference and would of necessity be extremely brief. The most that could be done in our view is for Bohlen to mention casually to Semenov during tea interval if opportunity presented itself obvious importance that Korean question would have on the atmosphere of meeting of the four ministers and if he agreed to ask him what present Soviet thinking was as to possibility of settlement of that question. Since we believe Semenov is acute and quick to take any hint, if there is any Soviet interest, he would logically return to this subject in an equally informal manner at later time during conference. We do feel that this is extremely delicate and tricky and it would be very dangerous to attempt to be more definite or to go farther in the initial step.

Please instruct.2 [Jessup and Bohlen.]

Bohlen
  1. Vladimir Semenov, Political Adviser to the Chairman of the Soviet Control Commission in Germany, was a member of the Soviet Delegation to the Deputies meetings in Paris.↩

  2. The Department replied in telegram 5220, April 4, 4 p. m., to Paris, the text of which read as follows:

    “Dept concurs suggestion last para urtel for approach to Semenov by Bohlen.” (396.1–PA/4–451)

    ↩