310.361/6–2751: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
secret
niact
niact
Moscow, June 27,
1951—4 p. m.
2180. Deptel 831, June 25 and Embtel 2175.1 Saw Gromyko 2:30 this afternoon for 20 minutes June 27. Full telegraphic report in preparation and will go forward within few hours.2 Meanwhile highlights conversation may be summarized as follows re Dept’s questions seriatim:
- 1.
- Expression “the Soviet peoples believe” is self explanatory. Sov Govt speaking through Gromyko as official representative in responding questions is prepared support peaceful settlement (see para 5).
- 2.
- Sov Govt envisages meeting opposing commands (see also para 5) as arranging purely military dispositions for armistice and cease-fire to follow on agreement being reached therein.
- 3.
- Agreement between opposing commands constitutes entering on path peaceful settlement. Sovs have no additional ideas in mind.
- 4.
- Sov Govt unaware attitude “Chinese Govt” and no suggestions as to how views ascertained except “sure that US Govt can find means.”
- 5.
- Sovs envisage meeting of opposing commands—Unified Command behalf all powers associated with US in military operations Korea plus South Koreans on the one hand and North Koreans plus representative of Chinese volunteers on other hand. Reps would arrange strictly military armistice (no provisions re ultimate political or territorial settlements) and upon reaching agreement cease-fire would take place.
Dept pass USUN niact. Sent Dept niact 2180; rptd info USUN niact 368.
Kirk