100. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union1
700. Re: Embtel 1033.2 The following Aide-Mémoire may, if Embassy perceives no objection, be delivered to appropriate official of Foreign Ministry:
Begin Text. The Embassy of the United States acknowledges receipt of the Aide-Mémoire of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the USSR dated December 4, 1957 and takes this occasion to inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the USSR as follows:
The Government of the US is not aware of any actual interference suffered by the Mission of the USSR to the UN in New York either in carrying out official or social activities, nor of any violation of the immunity of the premises occupied by the Mission of the USSR to the UN at 680 Park Avenue, New York. Both US and appropriate local authorities in New York City, have at all times sought to insure that all possible steps are taken to prevent molestation of the personnel and premises of the Mission of the USSR to the UN in New York City. The Government of the US is confident that the police authorities of the City of New York will continue to observe this practice. If the efforts of the authorities have not entirely prevented annoyance, this is regretted. The Government of the US can reaffirm, however, that violation of laws protecting the mission from molestation will make the offenders subject to appropriate legal action.
The Government of the US deems it necessary to point out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the USSR that it will not and cannot curtail certain inalienable rights granted to all residents of the US, including freedom of speech and the right of peaceful assembly. End Text.
You may wish to use in any discussion of this matter following information from New York City Police on November 7 picketing:
During picketing demonstrators were not permitted to picket in front of building occupied by USSR Mission on side of the street on which building is located. New York City Police authorities assigned 95 policemen to area including 5 mounted patrolmen. When some of demonstrators became disorderly 5 persons were arrested and subsequently court convictions were obtained in all 5 cases. Moreover local authorities are prepared to take appropriate steps in every occasion when complaints are filed by an aggrieved party. On number occasions alleged Soviet victims have refused to file a [Page 262] complaint and as result, in absence of complaint, charges could not be brought.
FYI only law governing picketing in Washington, D.C. concerns picketing of foreign embassies, legations, etc. There is no law prohibiting picketing of White House and picketing frequently occurs. A measure of control is exercised to make sure that pickets do not litter area with discarded leaflets and placards, and a permit is required if picketing group intends chant or sing.
New York Police have no record of any incident involving Soviet UN Delegation on October 23 although there was picketing.
There is no police record of attempted assault or incident involving Barulin on Nov. 7. Police officer in charge inquired at Soviet Delegation after Nov. 7 if there were any complaints or injuries. The officer was told there were none. Dept. contemplates no publicity unless Soviets release info, on matter.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 310.361/12–457. Official Use Only. Signed for the Acting Secretary by Jandrey.↩
- Document 97.↩