Office of the Historian

Eisenhower Library, Eisenhower papers, Whitman file

No. 406
Prime Minister Churchill to President Eisenhower1

top secret
[London, May 7, 1953.]

Thank you for your telegram of May 5th.2 According to my experience of these people in the war we should gain more by goodwill on the spot by going as guests of the Soviets than we should lose by appearing to court them. This was particularly the case when Anthony and I spent a fortnight in Moscow in October 1944. I am not afraid of the “solitary pilgrimage” if I am sure in my heart that it may help forward the cause of peace and even at the worst can only do harm to my reputation. I am fully alive to the impersonal and machine-made foundation of Soviet policy although under a veneer of civilities and hospitalities. I have a strong belief that Soviet self-interest will be their guide. My hope is that it is their self-interest wich will bring about an easier state of affairs.

2.
None of the four men who I am told are working together very much as equals, Malenkov, Molotov, Beria and Bulganin has any contacts outside Russia except Molotov. I am very anxious to know these men and talk to them as I think I can frankly and on the dead level.
3.
It is only by going to Moscow that I can meet them all and as I am only the head of a Government, not of a state, I see no obstacle. Of course, I would much rather go with you to any place you might appoint and that is, I believe, the best chance of a good result. I find it difficult to believe that we shall gain anything by an attitude of pure negation and your message to me certainly does not show much hope.
4.
I will consult with my colleagues upon the position and your weighty adverse advice. At any rate, I will not go until after your budget has been settled by Congress which would mean my delaying till after the Coronation3 and about the end of June. Perhaps by then you may feel able to propose some combined action. I deeply appreciate the care and thought you have bestowed on my suggestion.
5.
I have also today telegraphed as acting Foreign Secretary to Foster Dulles about the United States offering arms to Egypt at [Page 981] this critical juncture. I presume this telegram will also be laid before you.4

With kind regards.

[
Winston
]
  1. The source text was attached to a note of transmission from Makins to President Eisenhower, dated May 7, 1953.↩
  2. Supra.↩
  3. Queen Elizabeth II was coronated on June 2, 1953.↩
  4. See telegram 5929 from London, May 5, vol. ix, Part 2, p. 2055.↩