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

861.413/8–2350: Telegram

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

secret

Moscow, August 23, 1950—2 p. m.

491. Foreign Office yesterday, informed French Ambassador that Father Thomas must leave Soviet Union¹ and that while Soviets would permit entry of a successor if French would allow Soviet bishop proceed France, successor would not be able use church St. Louis. French Government not disposed accept Soviet bishop for whom visa application has been pending approximately one year.

Seems probable that Soviet attitude toward use of church reflects determination exclude any foreign priest from those premises, although it has been suggested that Soviets primarily interested removing last traces former French proprietorship thereof and may feel less strongly, towards foreign priest of other nationality. Any event believes this development makes it desirable we now make further effort resolve situation Father Brassard and suggest that to terminate Soviet stalling (Embtel 389, August 12 and previous²) and with view to record I see Vishinsky or Gromyko and, in requesting urgent Soviet action in matter, leave him aide-mémoire³ setting forth US position Roosevelt-Litvinoff argument [agreement] and record representations Father Brassard’s behalf.

Please advise.⁴

Kirk

1. Ambassador Kirk reported in telegram 527 from Moscow on August 26 that Father Thomas had celebrated his farewell mass in the Church of St. Louis des François on the previous day. The service had been attended by four ambassadors and by various members of their staffs, “which evidenced general high regard for Father Thomas held by foreign colony.” The reports of foreign correspondents describing this service and the expulsion of Father Thomas were all killed by the Soviet censor. (861.413/8–2650) The Ambassador further reported in telegram 541 on August 29 that Father Thomas had received an exit visa on August 28 valid through August 30. The French Embassy, however, had sought an extension to enable Father Thomas to go with the French Ambassador, who was leaving Moscow on September 1. (861.413/8–2950)
2. None printed, but see footnote 3, p. 1134.
3. The text is in telegram 712 from Moscow on September 15, p. 1247.
4. In its reply in telegram 153 on August 24, the Department of State concurred with this proposed action and requested that a copy of the aide-mémoire as presented be sent to it. (861.413/8–2350)