861.2423/9–2649: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
2414. Depcirtel September 23 are popular reaction press announcement atomic explosion USSR.1 Department will appreciate Embassy has practically no ostensibly unofficial Soviet contacts aside from local employees and servants employed staff members who obviously not reliable and with whom we in any case hesitate initiate discussion, since such course would appear indicative degree anxiety our part. We will of course transmit any information obtainable but in circumstances [Page 658] doubt worthwhile estimate of Soviet public opinion can be expected expeditiously this matter. At same time may be noted that no public manifestations popular reaction so far apparent.
- This circular telegram was sent on September 23 at 11 a. m., not printed, to certain diplomatic and consular offices, in which the Department of State expressed the desire to receive reports of press comments and the public reaction to the revelation of an atomic explosion in the Soviet Union. Many replies are included in the Department’s files under 861.2423.↩