Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume V

861.2423/9–2549: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State

priority

Moscow, September 25, 1949.

2406. Soviet press September 25 carries following Tass communiqué:

“September 23 US President Truman stated according information US Government during recent weeks atomic explosion occurred USSR.¹ Simultaneously similar statements made English and Canadian Governments. Following publication these statements, in American, English, and Canadian press, and also press other countries appeared numerous remarks showing anxiety wide public circles. In this connection Tass authorized state following: In Soviet Union, as well known, construction work of great scale going on—construction hydrostations, mines, canals, roads necessitating great explosive work with application newest technical means. Inasmuch as these explosive operations have been and are being carried on rather frequently in different regions of country, possible this might attract attention beyond borders Soviet Union. Regarding production atomic energy Tass considers necessary recall that November 6, 1947 Foreign Minister Molotov made statement re secret atomic bomb, saying ‘this secret long ceased exist’.² This statement meant Soviet Union already discovered secret atomic weapon, and had this weapon at its disposal. Scientific circles USA took this statement Molotov as bluff, considering Russians could master atomic weapon not earlier than 1952. However they were mistaken as Soviet Union had already mastered secret atomic weapon in 1947. Regarding anxiety spread in this connection by certain foreign circles, no basis anxiety exists. Necessary state Soviet Government, despite possession atomic weapon, stands and intends stand in future on old position unconditional prohibition use atomic weapon. Regarding control over atomic weapon control will be necessary in order verify execution decision concerning prohibition production atomic weapon.”

Please pass Defense.

Sent Department 2406; Department pass USUN 11, London 266.³

Kirk

1. For text of President Truman’s announcement of September 23, see Department of State Bulletin, October 3, 1949, p. 487. The Secretary of State also made a statement on September 23, ibid., p. 487. For a statement issued by the Acting Secretary of State James E. Webb on September 28, see ibid., p. 488. In circular telegrams sent on September 23 at 2 a. m. and 3 a. m., neither printed, all diplomatic and consular offices were advised of the President’s impending announcement that an atomic explosion had taken place within the Soviet Union, the text of which was included. (861.2423/9–2349) For other statements made at this time, see the editorial note in vol. i, p. 540.
2. Molotov made his disclosure in his speech on the celebration of the anniversary of the October Revolution. See telegram 3183 from Moscow on November 8, 1947, 7 p. m. in Foreign Relations, 1947, vol. iv, p. 614, and footnote 2.
3. This telegram was relayed to the places indicated on September 25 at 8:15 a. m.