Moscow Embassy Files: 125—Consulates and Consulates General
The American Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Smith) to the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union (Vyshinsky)
Mr Dear Mr. Vyshinski: Since the task of issuing immigration visas and conducting pertinent correspondence was assigned to this Mission in 1941, the visa work of our Consular Section has increased to the point where it cannot be handled expeditiously with the limited personnel imposed on us by the difficulties of the housing situation. These difficulties are thoroughly understood by the Mission, and we appreciate the action that the Soviet Government is taking to relieve our situation. Nevertheless, the fact remains that we have been so over-burdened with correspondence from the United States in connection [Page 744] with the consular visa service that we are unable to handle the volume of work.
There are two possible solutions. One that has been proposed to me is to center the issuance of immigration visas, as distinct from temporary visitor’s visas, at some point outside of the Soviet Union, as was done prior to 1941. While this would relieve the Mission of work, I dislike it very much because it would impose an additional burden on one of the missions outside the Soviet Union, and because it involves the implication that this Mission is unable to handle a function which is properly its responsibility.
Another possible solution, which I much prefer, is to centralize this work in the Soviet Union, but outside of Moscow at some location where the housing situation is less acute than it is in the capital. Leningrad has been suggested because with the resumption of maritime communications with the United States there will be need for the performance of other consular services there. Odessa is a possible alternative. However, it is not essential that either Leningrad or Odessa be the location selected, although the former is preferable from our point of view. It is far more important, if this work is to be carried on within the Soviet Union, that it be centralized at a point which presents the fewest difficulties to the Soviet Government, with reasonable convenience to the public.
In looking over files of correspondence, I note that last September this Mission proposed the establishment of a Consulate at Leningrad.85 I have in mind in this connection the fact that we now have only one Consulate in the Soviet Union (at Vladivostok) and this a very small one, whereas the Soviet Government has three very large and active consulates in the United States. My personal opinion, which I am sure represents the view of my Government, is that consular facilities should be established by our respective governments to meet such actual needs as may exist for the performance of consular services. It is clear, however, that this principle must be recognized by both sides if it is to be observed at all.
I am presenting this matter for your personal consideration because we are actually being very hard pressed, and I am extremely anxious to find a solution which will relieve me of the embarrassment of having to confess that this Mission is unable to perform certain categories of the consular work which are properly within its responsibility.
Accordingly, I reiterate our previous proposal for the establishment [Page 745] of an American Consulate at Leningrad. If, for any reason, this location is not acceptable to the Soviet Government, I would be grateful for suggestions for another location.
Sincerely,
- See telegram 3360, September 24, 1945, 3 p.m., from Moscow, Foreign Relations, 1945, vol. v, p. 1167. For documentation about the desirability of establishing consulates, and the difficulties being encountered by the American Consulate General at Vladivostok, see ibid., pp. 1160 ff.↩