611.61/4–2750: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State 1
1239. Based on such sources as are available here, Embassy estimates Secretary’s enunciation of policy of “total diplomacy” has apparently made important impression Kremlin.2 Aside from vehement published Soviet reactions to phrase and prospects its energetic implementation, a number of qualified foreign observers feel they can detect signs more apprehension among authorities over probable effect total free world diplomacy on Soviet objectives than in case of any other recent pronouncement.
Interpretation reasons Soviet reaction vary. However, one source with which Embassy inclined agree, attributes it to Soviet conclusion that in “total diplomacy” and other recent companion speeches, Secretary has laid down set of principles to guide US and free world toward attainment objectives, a departure from previous US statements which tended obscure practicalities under sweeping generalities. Establishment of specific outline for free world policy and action, a procedure which Communists themselves have long followed, threatens them materially.
- This telegram was relayed on April 27 to London at 3:15 p. m. and to Paris at 4:00 p. m.↩
- Secretary of State Acheson spoke on “‘Total Diplomacy’ to Strengthen United States Leadership for Human Freedom” at a meeting of the Advertising Council at the White House on February 16, 1950. A summary of his remarks was released to the press on March 9 and is printed in the Department of State Bulletin, March 20, 1950, pp. 427–430.↩