800.4016 D.P./12–13: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Smith) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received December 13—12:52 p.m.]
4388. Personal attention Matthews26 from Smith: My immediately following [preceding] quotes letter just received from Dekanozov on Soviet Repatriation Mission to Austria. Note his statement that American Command in Austria continues to delay solution and cannot consider until December 15.
On November 191 wrote you generally as follows:
“Dekanozov referred again to displaced persons question, and I was surprised at bitterness he showed. Really believe we can, without weakening our position, do something to relieve the tension, and I strongly recommend that Soviet representatives be authorized again to visit camps which house individuals whose origin is in territory now a part of Soviet Union whether we consider these people to be Soviet citizens or not.
“Soviet officials who make visit should be authorized to present Soviet case, and given facilities to receive prospective immigrants and answer questions. At end of visit, those who wish to immigrate to Soviet Union should be moved to staging area in preparation for return trip.
“Know this has been done before, but believe that even though it constitutes annoyance to occupation authorities it should be repeated. Capital is being made here that it is anti-Soviet propaganda which is discouraging these individuals, particularly Baits, from returning to Soviet Union. Doubt further proffers by Soviet representatives [Page 196] would produce much result, but it would place us in stronger position if they were permitted to repeat effort. Same applies to Austria. Will you let me know at earliest opportunity what you decide to do about this?”
It would help me immeasurably if I could give Dekanozov prompt and definite information on this subject which is really engendering bitterness in Soviet FonOff. Let me know particularly facts about Austria.
- H. Freeman Matthews, Director of the Office of European Affairs.↩