57. Telegram From the Embassy in the Soviet Union to the Department of State1
1525. Zakharov’s reaction to oral statement which I made to him (Embtel 15192) transmitting information contained Deptel 751 made plain Soviet Government had determined to regard any reply as unsatisfactory and would indicate second possible motivation penultimate paragraph Embtel 14773 correct. I read information contained reference telegram and then carefully checked interpreter who gave completely accurate rendering in Russian. I then emphasized directly to Zakharov assurances received from New York Police Department to continue special attention to Soviet delegation premises in order to prevent any disorderly or unlawful acts which would interfere with their work.
Zakharov then made three points in regard to statement, (1) fact that, what he termed hostile anti-Soviet, demonstrations occurred one hour daily indicated these were not spontaneous but organized, (2) that incident of December 11 when he said Soviet women were insulted and “hooliganism” was committed against male Soviet employee, showed these demonstrations could not be called peaceful, (and here Zakharov gave whole show away by reading from typewritten paper he had in folder) that U.S. authorities obviously do not wish to offer proper protection against hostile demonstrations interfering with work of mission and although, as indicated December [Page 163] 17, Ministry hoped avoid publicity, they now had no recourse in light of information but to publish notes and other material regarding this matter which would not pass “unnoticed” by Soviet opinion and could not but affect attitude of population of capital toward American embassy in Moscow.
I told Zakharov I had informed Mr. Gromyko peaceful picketing and demonstrations were permitted by our law, but the information I had given him and the assurances from New York Police Department made it perfectly clear that prompt and effective action would be taken against any disorder or attempt interfere with work Soviet mission; that demonstrations for one hour daily were kept off sidewalk in front of building and that December 11, to which he referred, offenders had been promptly arrested. I said I wished to be entirely clear as to what Soviet Government was asking. In view fact New York authorities had done and would do everything that could be expected to prevent any disorders or interference with work, was Soviet Government in effect insisting that all peaceful picketing should be forbidden by U.S. authorities.
Zakharov at first took refuge in general statement that they wished guarantees of conditions which would not interfere with work of mission and finally, on my insistence, admitted in their eyes any form “anti-Soviet” demonstration in their opinion interfered with work of mission. I told him I could only report his observations to my Government, but I knew that under our law peaceful and orderly picketing kept at a distance from the premises was permitted. I told him I gathered from his remark that Soviet Government had decided give publicity this matter, to which he replied in the affirmative repeating that they had no other recourse but declined to tell me when publication would occur.
On leaving I told Zakharov since no demonstrations occurred here without Government authorization I took it to mean Soviet Government had determined to organize demonstrations, mentioning an incident in connection with demonstrations against British and French which made perfectly plain fact these were well organized affairs. Zakharov, as might be expected, denied this and said it was of course impossible predict reaction population Moscow.
In circumstances I believe we can expect publication at any time and I would like for background to brief American press here, giving them in particular information contained Deptel 741 [751] which I believe makes abundantly plain rather exceptional measures taken by New York Police. I would give this for background use only when Soviets publish, and I believe I can rely on correspondents here to observe this.
I believe Department should be prepared release, when Soviets publicize anything on this matter, summary account my discussions [Page 164] with Foreign Office (this and previous message contain all necessary details). I would suggest particular attention to veiled threat of demonstrations as given me by Gromyko and Zakharov which in both cases to effect publication “unwillingness” U.S. authorities take necessary measures would arouse legitimate indignation Soviet public opinion and would not be without effect on attitude of population capital toward American Embassy in Moscow. While foregoing is not absolute quotation since made orally, it is accurate rendition of sense.
It is of course not clear whether threat of demonstrations is bluff or will actually occur. In any event, I believe we would have some advance notice since in order preserve fiction “spontaneous” popular reaction any demonstrations would probably not occur immediately upon publication.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 310.361/12-2256. Confidential; Niact.↩
- Telegram 1519, December 21, reported that Bohlen had requested a meeting with Gromyko and was told that he was not available but that Zakharov would see him. It continues “Accordingly, I am seeing him tomorrow morning and will use all material reftel with exception complaints against police, which I feel would be misunderstood and to no purpose. Will report Zakharov’s reaction,” (Ibid., 310.361/12–2156) Reftel is telegram 751, Document 55.↩
- Document 53.↩