860F.00/6–1046: Telegram
The Chargé in Czechoslovakia (Bruins) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 11—6:30 p.m.]
1011. Leaders of the more moderate parties in private conversation display uncertainty as to the future of the Communist strength in Czechoslovakia. All recognize two possibilities:
- (1)
- That the Communists may be at the peak of their popularity and that a gradual decline may be expected as a result of economic difficulties which may increase as the result of the sweeping nationalization program.
- (2)
- That because the Communists are now the strongest party, they will be in a good position to consolidate their gains and can obtain a reasonably permanent hold over the electorate.
The more judical minded of the moderates believe that no satisfactory prediction can be made as to which trend will prevail. They think that the answer must be found in political developments outside of Czechoslovakia, particularly, the future relations between Russia and Western Powers. The moderates point out that their position would be greatly weakened if Western Powers were to adopt an attitude of indifference and noncooperation toward Czechoslovakia. At the same time, they recognize that the Western Powers may well adopt a cooler attitude toward humanitarian relief and loans to Czechoslovakia as long as present degree of Communist control continues.