Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XIV, Soviet Union

101. Telegram From the Embassy in the Soviet Union to the Department of State ¹

Moscow, March 5, 1965, 5 p.m.

2607. Deptel 2360.² For Ambassador Thompson from Ambassador Kohler. Yesterday’s attack on Embassy followed this morning by minor flurry of actions of “make-up-with-Americans” flavor, notably expressions of regret by UPDK and prompt initiation of restoration work under personal supervision chief engineer.³

Prompt White House comment was helpful⁴ and I assume Dept will follow up with appropriate remarks today.

Locally:

1. Staff and I will continue freely express our feelings about outrageous, uncivilized treatment at hands Soviet Government;

2. We are refusing visas to Soviet tourist-propagandist group, informing FonOff that in present circumstances they could not expect friendly reception and visit would harm rather than help US-Soviet relations.

Dept might wish look into public appearances scheduled for Soviet Embassy staff in United States and suggest cancellations to sponsors, make sure U.S. Govt officials and others associated with exchange programs are adequately briefed with appropriate remarks for Soviet contacts, and the like.

One would wish for more and perhaps more effective measures. On the other hand, I believe our own interests require that:

1. We target our response toward Soviet Government and Communist Party, not against the many Russians who are both ashamed and sympathetic, as well as anxious not to allow progress made in exchanges go down the drain; and

2. Desirability keeping channels of communication open during fluid and critical period.

Kohler

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 23–8 USSR. Confidential; Immediate. Passed to the White House.
2. Dated March 4, it asked for full details on the demonstration and Kohler’s recommendations for the U.S. response. (Ibid.)
3. In telegram 2598 from Moscow, March 4, Kohler reported that “we have had many expressions, direct and indirect, of sense of shame on part of Russians, and indications that massive anti-American campaign of party-organized meetings falling pretty flat.” (Ibid.)
4. On March 4 the White House Press Secretary made a statement insisting that U.S. diplomatic establishments and personnel be given the protection required by international law and that expressions of regret were no substitute for adequate protection. (Telegram 2365 to Moscow, March 4; ibid.)