396.1–PA/4–2351: Telegram

The Ambassador in France ( Bruce ) to the Secretary of State

top secret
priority

6425. Eyes only for Secretary from Jessup and Bohlen. During conversation Saturday night1 in connection with reference to Far Eastern situation in armaments discussion with Bohlen Semenov, with obvious reference to previous conversation, said that since his work lay entirely in German field any discussion of Far Eastern matters should be taken up directly with Gromyko (Embtel 5960, April 5). He did not elaborate point and Bohlen left it there. Semenov, however, again gave a clear indication that Soviets expect a victory in Korea. He said, speaking to Bohlen “not as a diplomat but as a realist” that “US must by this time understand after their experiences in China” that they could not successfully oppose the millions of Asiatics who are seeking to throw off the “colonial yoke”.

If there is anything in regard to Korea that Department desires pursued here, we are in complete agreement that it should be done with Gromyko.2 [Jessup and Bohlen.]

Bruce
  1. April 21.
  2. See the memorandum by Mr. Merchant dated April 25, p. 379.