861.4061 Motion Pictures/71: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:29 p.m.]
2147. The Embassy understands that several months ago the British Embassy officially requested permission of the Soviet Government to open a motion picture theater in Moscow for exclusive showing of British pictures. The Soviet Government does not appear to have taken any action on this request and the British Embassy is not optimistic of its success. British official has approached Spewack unofficially, however, with suggestion that proposed motion picture theater be made a joint venture of the British and ourselves. (Department’s airgrams No. A–15, August 28, and A–27, November 4.1)
Spewack has independently discussed matter informally with Soviet film authorities who appear to be favorably disposed toward opening of a motion picture theater in Moscow for the exclusive showing of English speaking pictures. They have in mind a theater under Soviet management. They do not yet have authority to make any definite proposals but have informed Spewack that they expect to be able to do so soon.
- Neither printed.↩