Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Soviet Union, Eastern Mediterranean, Volume XXIV

45. Telegram From the Embassy in the Soviet Union to the Department of State¹

Moscow, May 17, 1956—4 p.m.

2582. Have now had opportunity to study document referred to in Embtel 2558² (which was being photostated for extra copies for French). Document is not actual speech but notes taken during one hour possession member French Embassy Warsaw. Assuming notes to be full summary of original text it is still not possible to ascertain with any degree of accuracy whether original was authentic text of Khrushchev’s speech or not.

There is nothing in summary which contradicts reports and rumors current here in mid-March and subsequently concerning text of speech. On the other hand, there are certain important omissions; for example, no reference is made to STALIN’s executions of Soviet marshals and officers which was most substantiated of initial reports. Furthermore, there are a few errors of fact which it is doubtful Khrushchev would have made.

According to document Khrushchev made copious reference to unpublished Lenin documents, including testament and other notes and letters directed against STALIN. These bear a suspicious resemblance to Trotsk’s writings on subject in his biography STALIN. This in itself of course is not disproof, and merely may indicate accuracy Trotsky’s memory but, on the other hand, could equally well have been compiled by someone on basis Trotsky’s works.

In general, document adds very little to previous information concerning nature Khrushchev’s speech, except on few minor points.

Photostat copy is being forwarded to Department by next pouch.

Bohlen

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 761.00/5–1756. Secret; Limit Distribution. Repeated to London and Paris.
2. In telegram 2558, May 14, Bohlen reported that the Counselor of the French Embassy in Moscow had loaned him a copy of a despatch from the French Embassy in Warsaw, which was purported to be a summary of the text of Khrushchev’s secret speech on STALIN. Bohlen indicated that he had not yet studied the document, but that at first glance it appeared “highly plausible” and the French Embassy was “apparently convinced of its authenticity.” (Ibid., 761.00/5–1456) Bohlen transmitted to the Department of State a photostat copy of the summary as an enclosure to despatch 503, May 18. (Ibid., 761.00/5–1856)