861.415/11–949: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
2797. In connection with October revolution celebrations following are some observations from personal experiences:
Sunday evening Bolshoi Theatre originally announced as 6 p. m. was postponed at 5:30 to 7 p. m. On stage were noted in order on right of chairman (Moscow Party Secretary1) Shvernik, Molotov, Voroshilov,2 Beria, Kaganovitch, Malenkov; to left local Moscow [Page 673] Party leaders. Marshal Budienney3 in second row. Audience appeared unusually well dressed for Moscow, many women wearing good quality furs and general atmosphere one of selected important local party leaders plus families. Applause pronounced when Malenkov spoke of “peace”, of Soviet strength, of American imperialism and economic domination West Europe (America mentioned 25 times in speech and always as villain). While I did not personally so observe, yet other diplomats tell me applause controlled by buzzer from chairman as to initiation and duration. Embtel 2791, November 7 gives highlights speech.
Monday forenoon review apparently similar previous occasions and fibered [favored] by beautiful weather. As one Russian friend remarked “bog bezbozhnikov pomogayet” (God helps the godless). Review well organized, smartly conducted and “spontaneous” civilian march past lasted about four hours. In stands left of Lenin tomb new Chinese Military Attaché conspicuously placed and photographed between Russian guards. Same for Polish General.
Monday evening diplomatic reception by Gromyko well done with ample refreshments and atmosphere of content and pride in accomplishments. Noted particularly new Chinese seated special table with Budienny, Czech Minister, Bulgarian Minister and others making big play many toasts. Later Budienny used to give East Germans similar treatment (results somewhat deleterious to Marshal’s stability toward end of evening). Joliet-Curie4 present and well-treated. Talked with Marshal Sokolovsky5 who wanted to know why Clay6 left Berlin: told him Clay’s successful tour was over and US now desired civilian control, saying he would find McCloy strong, firm and intelligent. Sensed Sokolovsky seemed pretty pleased with himself and somewhat inclined to patronize. He asked what I had done in war, so said had participated in opening second “second front” in west, Gromyko who interpreted for me asked if I really meant second “second front”, and upon my insistence Marshal Sokolovsky asked what was “first”—I said “good front existed in west in 39–40”—which drew no comment but brought conversation down to plane of equality.
My general impression is all walks life feeling pretty pleased with results and rather cocky over their successes in China, elsewhere and their own atomic bomb; I would not say truculent but still quite self-satisfied with year’s progress—and perhaps with reason.
[Page 674]Department pass to Paris (for Secretary7) 396, London 307.
- Georgy Mikhailovich Popov.↩
- Kliment Yefremovich Voroshilov, Marshal of the Soviet Union, was a member of the Politburo, of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, and a Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers.↩
- Semen Mikhailovich Budyenny, Marshal of the Soviet Union, was a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and a Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Chairman of the Technical Council of that Ministry’s Main Administration of Horsebreeding.↩
- Jean Frédéric Joliot-Curie was a famous French scientist and Communist.↩
- Vasily Danilovich Sokolovsky, Marshal of the Soviet Union, was First Deputy Minister of Armed Forces from March 1949, and previously was Chief of the Soviet Military Administration in Germany (SMAG).↩
- Gen. Lucius Dubois Clay had been Military Governor for Germany, and Commander in Chief, European Command.↩
- The Secretary of State was in Paris for consultations on German questions with Foreign Secretary Bevin of the United Kingdom and Foreign Minister Robert Schuman of France. For documentation, see vol. iii, pp. 632 ff.↩