Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Eastern Europe; Soviet Union; Eastern Mediterranean, Volume VIII

761.00/5–1454: Telegram

No. 622
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Bohlen) to the Secretary of State¹

top secret
priority

Moscow, May 14, 1954—5 p.m.

1411. Eyes only for Secretary. Before dealing with specific points raised your 716,² believe it might be useful summarize here my views on role of Soviet military.

Since Stalin’s death professional military have been given increasing prominence but believe this to be logical result of termination overriding one-man rule of Stalin permitting professional military to assume more normal function in Soviet Government. We have not seen any reliable indication that professional military are playing independent political role or as such are in opposition to party leaders. No professional military man is on Presidium of Central Committee or Council of Ministers. Soviet and indeed Russian tradition has been that of subordination military to civilian control. While friction may of course exist there is not sufficient ground to predicate any policy or action on that supposition.

I am inclined therefore to believe that any direct communication from President as head of state to Zhukov, who retains purely military function would be unwise and would appear as transparent attempt to go behind backs of actual Soviet leaders. It would almost unquestionably be so regarded by them, especially Molotov, and might conceivably harm Zhukov’s position. However, in order to follow up remote possibility that Zhukov’s remarks in Pravda article³ were meant to convey hint, President might consider including in any public statement he is planning to make on anniversary Normandy landings this year appropriate reference to Soviet armed forces and Zhukov personally. We could then watch with close attention manner in which this statement was handled by Soviet press which might give us clue to real significance Zhukov’s remarks undoubtedly approved by leaders before publication. In light thereof we could examine possibility Zhukov visit.

While I am not competent judge adequately from here, believe any invitation to Zhukov to visit US would arouse excitement and concern Western European allies who would probably see in it attempt by US Government to open bilateral channel communication with Soviet Government. This might have some desirable sobering effect on our allies or on contrary might play into Soviet desire further split Western alliance.

Bohlen

1. Secretary Dulles sent a copy of this telegram to President Eisenhower on May 14 under cover of the following brief memorandum:

   “I think the attached cable from Bohlen in reference to a possible invitation to Zhukov is sound, and I would be inclined to endorse his recommendations. Let me know if you wish me to do anything further in this matter.” (761.00/5–1454)

2. Supra.

3. Telegram 1389 from Moscow, May 9, reported that the Soviet celebration of the end of World War II contained “interesting differences” from the way the anniversary was marked in 1953. The telegram cited in particular an article by Marshal Zhukov appearing in Pravda on May 9. In his article Zhukov reviewed the course of the war and included the following remark:

   “Soviet people will never forget the selfless struggle which was carried on against the German Fascist forces by our Allies—the peoples of France, England, the United States of America and other countries, or the sacrifices borne by them in the struggle. We give due acknowledgement to the military valor of the armies of USA and England in the period of their joint struggle with us against German Fascist armies. We also give due acknowledgement to their military leaders—to General of the Army Eisenhower and Field Marshal Montgomery—under whose direction the American and English armed forces more than once beat the Grerman Fascist armies.” (Microfilm telegram files, “Moscow FY 54”)