Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Eastern Europe; Soviet Union; Eastern Mediterranean, Volume VIII

Microfilm telegram files, “Moscow FY 53”: Telegram

No. 582
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union¹

secret

Washington, April 15, 1953—6:34 p.m.

774. Address of President before American Society Newspaper Editors April 16 1:00 pm EST,² being transmitted to you by separate telegram, should be made occasion exceptional effort assure its importance recognized and intent correctly interpreted. You are therefore requested seek appointment with Minister Foreign Affairs or, if he unavailable, Deputy Minister Foreign Affairs to present copy of speech to Soviet Government promptly as possible after 1:00 pm EST April 16. In presenting copy (and in discussion with your diplomatic colleagues friendly and unfriendly) you are requested to make following points as appropriate:

1. This speech represents a most serious effort on the part of the US contribute to the relaxation of tensions and to facilitate a settlement of issues that now dangerously disturb the world.

2. The principles set forth in speech embody the long-term program of the new US Administration for the attainment of international stability and order.

3. In case any implication is made that the speech is intended largely as a psychological warfare move you may dismiss it by pointing out that the text makes amply clear that the US will accord full face value to concrete actions on the part of the USSR giving assurance of its good faith, but will not be impressed by words alone.

You are requested to assure that the speech and commentary along the lines of the foregoing are also given widest possible dissemination immediately upon delivery among your colleagues and other interested persons.

Report soonest summary reaction and follow with detailed despatch covering mission handling.³

This instruction constitutes amended version circular being sent all missions, suitably altered to meet conditions Moscow.

Smith

1. Drafted by Barbour (EUR/EE).
2. For text of President Eisenhower’s speech, see infra.
3. Telegram 1478 from Moscow, Apr. 17, reported that the text of President Eisenhower’s message was delayed in transmission to Moscow and could not be delivered to the Soviet Foreign Ministry until the evening of Apr. 16. Telegram 1489 from Moscow, Apr. 18, reported that Beam called on Deputy Foreign Minister Podtserov on the evening of Apr. 17 and outlined points 1 and 2 of this telegram. The brief telegram concluded: “Podtserov seemed much impressed and said he could communicate Department’s explanation ‘to his Ministry’.” (Microfilm telegram files, “Moscow FY 53”)