611.00/7–2353: Circular telegram
The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Missions1
53. Eyes only for Chief of Mission. We have been disturbed by recent reports from various sources both official and unofficial, indicating possible confusion on part of our allies as to US policy and perhaps lessening of confidence in US leadership. While change of administration was bound to bring with it certain period of uncertainty for other governments, we are concerned lest misinterpretations of US motives and actions during past six months may have arisen and contributed to situation in which US prestige suffers and attainment of our policy objectives hampered.
Would therefore appreciate your frank confidential estimate and views on how US is regarded both by government and public in country to which you are accredited. Some questions in which we are particularly interested include: Is there mistrust of US motives underlying policy towards USSR; has there been lessening of confidence in US intentions adequately to support its allies both individually and collectively in measures designed strengthen free world security; is there feeling that US is not living up to leadership responsibilities; have US domestic political events influenced attitude toward US leadership?
In light your comments on above and related questions which may come to mind, what major factors, in your opinion, should be borne in mind over coming months in determining U.S. lines of action?
Reply by airgram.
- Drafted by William J. Galloway, Special Assistant to the Counselor of the Department of State, and cleared with the Secretary of State and approved for transmission by the Counselor, Douglas MacArthur II. Sent to 11 European posts and Ankara and Ottawa. A summary of the replies to this telegram is contained in the memorandum by Merchant, dated Aug. 24, 1953, p. 1468.↩