Office of the Historian

611.61/10–251: Telegram

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

top secret
niact
Moscow, October 2, 1951—5 p. m.

562. Deptels 232 and 233, October l.1 I agree with Bohlen’s thought with which Generals Ridgway and Bradley concur that my conversation should be handled in such a way as not to create any impression that we are leading from weakness and that a display of over-eagerness to meet Stalin wherever he might be would be unwise, but still that Moscow conversation desirable. I believe that such impression of weakness could be avoided and at the same time greater weight given to the remarks I will be making to Vyshinsky if I make at least a pro [Page 986] forma request to see Stalin if he here and in event likely reply that Stalin is out of town to make date see Vyshinsky Friday for discussion with him matters as proposed in second paragraph Deptel 224, September 28.

I would suggest that I call on Vyshinsky tomorrow October 3 (which will require request for conversation not later than tomorrow morning) for preliminary conversation. This will give Soviets a day to consider the proposal of my call on Stalin. If by Thursday evening we have not received any indication of Stalin’s willingness receive me here in Moscow I will request interview with Vyshinsky at which time the major conversation may take place.

Meantime I propose see Gromyko discussing with him routine problems in course of farewell visit.2

Dept pass Tokyo, London, Paris; sent Dept 562, rptd info London 76, Paris 152, niact Tokyo 4 for Bohlen.

Kirk
  1. Telegram 232 is printed on p. 980; telegram 233 repeated to Moscow the text of telegram 658, September 30, from Tokyo, p. 975.↩

  2. The Department’s reply, in telegram 239, October 2, 6 p. m., to Moscow, read as follows:

    “We do not desire give greater weight to contemplated approach, if finally approved, than by your oral comments to FonMin (Embtel 562 Oct 2) and, therefore, prefer that you not request to see Stalin. We believe purpose your comments will be adequately served if during substantive conversation with Vyshinsky you specifically request your views be transmitted PriMin.

    “Hope send you by Wed or early Thurs final decision re proposed conversation.” (Black Book, Tab 106)

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