Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Soviet Union, Eastern Mediterranean, Volume XXIV

81. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Philippines¹

Washington, October 29, 1957—5:23 p.m.

1376. For Bohlen from Cumming. Fully realize your absorption Philippine elections and physical remoteness Soviet scene. Many here would be grateful however receive your interpretation current internal Soviet crisis. May well be even prior your receipt this message Soviets will have made authoritative release which would provide most useful material for interpretation which at present difficult even with all the sources available Washington. Following summary available facts may be of interest to you even if you have not time to give us your reactions no matter how tentative:

1. Zhukov returned 26 October from three-week trip Yugoslavia and Albania. That morning TASS gave him full title Minister of Defense; in afternoon TASS dropped Minister of Defense title in reporting his departure from Albania. Announcement release from Defense post made by TASS evening hours Moscow that day.

2. At midday arrival Moscow Zhukov received by military, press and Foreign Office personnel as well as Albanian and Yugoslav diplomatic representative. No top Party members present.

3. Khrushchev, Bulganin and Mikoyan arrived one hour late at Iranian reception early evening same day.

4. Indications are Central Committee in session since about 28 Oct.

5. Foreign communist correspondents Moscow indicated in despatches that idea Zhukov promotion (namely release from Defense duties for broader political duties) should be discarded and that feeling perplexity prevailed Moscow. Boffa, Unita correspondent Moscow advised no reliable briefing available.

6. Evening 28 October CBS correspondent Schorr suggested through Soviet censorship that issue broader than merely struggle between Khrushchev and Zhukov; conflict concerned internal rather than foreign issues; that most Western speculation was wide of mark; that outcome would have extremely farreaching implications; and that tipoff would come in appearance of portraits of Soviet Presidium members in preparation for Fortieth Anniversary “whoever they may be at that time.” (These have not yet appeared.)

7. One factor current situation may be old issue Army-Party relationship military and party press recent months indicate see-saw battle this issue.

8. Pravda editorial 28th and other Soviet press items emphasize Party supremacy in all matters; Party leadership to victory World War II. Red Star stresses Party control and cites fable of officer Velikii Luki whose head turned by overpraise, considered himself above reproach and led by conceit to severe Party punishment.

9. Reliable … source reports news seriously shocked and disturbed members Soviet Officer corps. Other reliable … info reports replacement of Shtemenko who had been Chief GRU since some time in summer 1956 by Shalin who was previous GRU chief. Thus, seems possible decision remove Zhukov, reassign Rokossovsky and remove Shtemenko all made 22 Oct.

10. Announcement Rokossovsky’s assignment command Trans-Caucasus military district first appeared Tblisi local press 23 October replayed Moscow press 25 October.

11. AP and UP despatches datelined Moscow have just arrived reporting Khrushchev, Bulganin and Mikoyan with other unnamed Presidium members unexpectedly showed up at Turkish Embassy reception tonight. Khrushchev told reporters Zhukov would be given a new position “according to his experience and qualifications” but no decision yet made. Khrushchev said reports that Central Committee in Session were made up by correspondents. Also said his presence at Turkish party could be interpreted as peace gesture.

12. If you care to make any comments they should be sent through Roger channel.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 761.00/10–2957. Secret; Priority. Roger Channel. Drafted by Cumming and cleared in substance with Herter.