124.613/8–850: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union
confidential
Washington, August 15,
1950—2 p. m.
131. ReEmbtel 348 Aug 8.1 Careful consideration given Emb’s renewed request auth employ Father Brassard. Despite factors mentioned by Emb, Dept on basis over-all implications of such step unable agree auth employment.
[Page 1233]Father Brassard’s principals called on Dept officers Aug 9 and in course gen conversation stated Father Brassard had mentioned in recent ltr possibility Emb employment. According to them ltr had already been sent cautioning him against such step.
Acheson
- The Embassy had asked for reconsideration in this telegram, not printed, for the part-time employment of Father Brassard because of the prevailing circumstances in his position and because he would be a valuable asset to the Embassy staff. He had sought employment since time was “heavy on his hands” and he had not believed that his superiors would find this objectionable. The Embassy declared that it would “continue to maintain in future in dealings with Soviet Government concerning Father Brassard’s performance of his religious functions that he has no connection with US Government or Embassy.” (124.613/8–850)↩