761.00/3–2053: Telegram
No. 573
The Chargé in the Soviet Union
(Beam) to the
Department of State
priority
1342. Embassy has watched Soviet press carefully since first announcement Stalin illness and later announcement death, with view to ascertaining through this medium some indication future policy new regime. During illness and for days after death, papers were devoted entirely, including extra pages, to Stalin himself. More lately considerable space was given to Gottwald. Death of latter may have upset to certain extent intention Soviet Government return Soviet press to normal following confirmation by supreme Soviet of governmental changes effected by new regime.
Leading articles in recent days have been devoted largely to internal aspects Malenkov (Beriya and Molotov) pronouncement (vigilance, management improvement, etc.).
For few days beginning just before Stalin death there seemed to be cautious and slow effort build up name of Malenkov (including special references his public remarks, retouched photos, reference by Beriya as “talented pupil Lenin and comrade-at-arms Stalin”). More recently however emphasis has been almost entirely on devotion of people to a necessity of rallying around Central Committee of Party. While leading articles use material obviously suggested by Malenkov statements, no attribution is given and statements are not printed within quotes or italicized as was custom with Stalin excerpts.
Papers are now reassuming normal format with space available for reprints of foreign (usually Commie) articles and Tass despatches from abroad. These continue to label US particularly as “aggressor” and main enemy and are headlined accordingly. Locally written pieces however, including leading articles, have shown very noticeable restraint. Subjects which previously evoked hysterical diatribes now are dealt with as dangers in such general terms as imperialism, imperialist encirclement, capitalism, etc., with only occasional specific mention of US or UK.
While “hate America campaign” has definitely been displaced for time being, it may be too early to say it is dead and further significant indications will be watched as press continues to return to normal.