601.4161/5–850: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State 1
1311. Deptel 367 May 1.2 As indicated Embtel 890 March 20,3 we are dubious whether institution by Department restrictions of travel Soviet diplomats would have ameliorative effect situation Moscow or satellites. While Embassy would welcome institution such restrictions US from standpoint general considerations, we would regret it if such action should result in further restrictions on our travel here. Department aware that travel we now able perform is useful, and that recently we have found it possible make rather extensive trips (Embtels 1005 April 1 and 1154 April 174).
If US restrictions decided on, we urge they be strictly reciprocal. That connection note that general demand that permission be obtained as distinct from simple notification in case travel outside specified radius (Depcirair August 19, 1949, 8:10 a. m.5) might cause us trouble. While notification plus control tickets is comparable to permission, in majority cases which involve automobile transportation to nearby spots outside Moscow notification is minor annoyance whereas obtainment permission likely be onerous.
- This telegram was relayed to London, Bucharest, Budapest, Praha, and Warsaw at 7:10 a. m., on May 8.↩
- Not printed.↩
- Not printed. The Embassy stated that it believed that the placing of restrictions on Soviet diplomats in the United States in the current temper of the American people “would serve as continuing reminder to public of unsatisfactory treatment US personnel Moscow.” (601.4161/3–2050)↩
- Latter telegram not printed, but see footnote 4, p. 1135.↩
- Foreign Relations, 1949, vol. v, p. 648.↩