Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, Central and Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume IV

861.181/4–150: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State ¹

secret

Moscow, April 1, 1950—1 p. m.

1005. Deptel 260 March 29.²

1. Air Attaché report based upon experiences British Military Attaché, Canadian Air Attaché, who last November refused tickets by Intourist³ and told they could travel only to cities having Intourist hotels (Leningrad, Kharkhov, Odessa, Tbilisi, Stalingrad).

2. British promptly sent note MFA asking whether this represented change government policy. Despite 2 follow-ups, only reply was that matter referred competent Soviet authorities (We think it unlikely definitive reply will be received).

3. Fairly clear Soviets differentiate in treatment accorded foreign service and military personnel (Thus last year British Military Attaché told he could travel to and from Tbilisi only by air, whereas his intended travelling companion, British second secretary, was allowed take train).

4. No military member staff this Embassy has made attempt travel points without Intourist hotel since British-Canadian attempt.

5. 2 members FS staff this Embassy departed yesterday by train for Chkalov and Ufa, having experienced no difficulties in obtaining tickets (Travel report will be forwarded immediately upon their return Moscow).⁴

6. British of opinion Soviets more restrictive re FS Russian experts than non-Russian speakers (Our experience does not confirm this).

7. In past 6 months, Soviets have been inclined forbid lateral travel (For example travellers to Chkalov and Ufa cannot proceed from one these points to other, but must first return Moscow).

8. Unwise to over-generalize about Soviet travel restrictions. These seem to vary, and incline us to believe Soviets often play this by ear.

Kirk

1. This telegram was relayed to London at 7:00 a. m. on April 1.
2. Not printed. The Embassy was asked to ascertain the extent of any additional travel restrictions in the Soviet Union and to report them to the Department for its use in consideration of the desirability of restrictive measures in the United States. (861.181/3–2950)
3. The All-Union Society for Foreign Tourism in the Soviet Union, the official travel agency.
4. It was stated in telegram 1154 from Moscow on April 17 that this trip had been completed without incident. Ambassador Kirk added that it seemed possible “recent US and UK statements indicating concern over restrictions may have prompted Soviets suspend institution further restrictions and for time being adhere limits previously in force, thus permitting travel such as this within officially notified areas.” (861.181/4–1750)