795.00/5–2853: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Bohlen) to the Department of State
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1646. Eyes only for Acting Secretary. I am seeing Molotov at 4 p.m. Moscow time today. In carrying out Department’s instruction (Deptel 860)1 I shall endeavor to avoid even oral discussion of sub-points paragraph four but if Molotov inquires about essential elements referred to, will state to him that they are administrative arrangements which we consider essential to insure the vital principle that no coercion, force or intimidation are to be used against non-repatriates and avoid if possible entering into details. I feel that attempt to go deeper into these points [Page 1109] even orally with Molotov might lead to unnecessary misunderstanding since, for example, exact extent of General Clark’s discretion is not entirely clear.
In conformity with discretion given me, I consider it extremely important to make reference to initial Communist reaction on May 25 concerning ultimate release of prisoners continuing to oppose repatriation after operation of proposed process since this is probably most fundamental point at issue and Communist position certainly not taken with Soviet approval.
I will naturally take advantage of occasion to inquire of Molotov when I might expect an answer to the cases raised with him on May 12. I intend to tell Molotov that we will make every effort to keep visit and particularly subject discussed confidential and even if fact of visit should become known we intend merely to say that it was follow-up on questions raised with him during my previous call. I believe it desirable to have this on the record in event there should be any disposition on part of Soviet Government to publicize discussion in distorted form as was done in Smith–Molotov conversation in 1948. It does of course place upon us a special responsibility to avoid any leak concerning main purpose of visit. I shall make every effort to keep fact of meeting secret from press here and hope Department will do likewise.