711.41/8–1446: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Durbrow) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 15—2:50 p.m.]
3196. Attention of Dept is especially invited to important articles on USA and Britain summarized in Embtel 3194 and 3195, August 14.30 These articles sum up and develop further elaborate anti-American and anti-British ideology which Soviet propaganda machine has been assiduously constructing in postwar period.
Sergeeva’s article attempts to reconcile doctrine of Anglo-Saxon bloc [Page 774] with Stalinist thesis concerning inevitability of Anglo-American rivalry springing from conflicts of imperialist interests. Author’s frank assertion that “bloc” exists despite all devisive factors may reflect abandonment by Soviet-governing circles of previous expectations that Anglo-American differences would be sufficiently strong and far-reaching to enable Soviets profitably to play off Americans against British or vice versa.
Bolshevik editorial is most comprehensive, violent and hostile polemic against Anglo-Americans printed here since war’s conclusion. Its significant statement that “reactionaries” are employing official policy of Anglo-Saxon countries to implement their “plans of world domination” marks final renunciation by Soviet propaganda machine of distinction drawn during war and after between Government policies of USA and Britain on one hand and policies advocated by “reactionary forces” on other. Presumable intention of this article is to extinguish in party circles (to whom article is primarily addressed) any lingering ideas or hopes that friendly relations are possible between USSR and Anglo-Americans.
Department please repeat to Nanking and Tokyo and to Paris for Ambassador Smith as Moscow’s 302.
- Neither printed; the first telegram summarized an editorial appearing in the current issue of the magazine Bolshevik entitled “Dangerous Tendencies in International Politics”, and the second telegram reported upon an article in the New Times magazine for August 1 by Nataliya Sergeyevna Sergeyeva, “On Question of Anglo-American Relations.” (861.9111/8–1446; 711.41/8–1446)↩