49. Telegram From the Embassy in the Soviet Union to the Department of State1
2712. Announcement this morning change in Foreign Minister carried in all papers. (Embtel 27072).
As entire world is aware, Molotov’s resignation from Foreign Minister position has been rumored for well over year when became apparent that Bulganin and Khrushchev had taken out his hands direction Soviet Foreign Affairs (in part at least because his known opposition to Yugoslav rapprochement). It not necessary here review clear evidence his loss authority in this field nor oblique criticisms his direction Soviet foreign relations at 20th Party Congress.
Shepilov as his replacement has also been rumored, although there have been counterrumors in favor of Gromyko. Shepilov’s [Page 109] elevation to candidate member Presidium gives him requisite party standing.
While decision eventually remove Molotov appears have been germinating for over year, timing is obviously in connection with Tito visit,3 and in order remove Molotov as one co-signatories of [with?] STALIN of excommunication messages of 1948 from direct participation Tito talks.
Announcement gives no indication of transfer to any other specific job but makes clear that Molotov retains position as First Deputy Prime Minister.4
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 761.13/6–256. Confidential. Received June 2, 11:32 a.m. Repeated to Belgrade.↩
- Telegram 2707, June 2, contained the announcement by the Soviet press that the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet on June 1 complied with Molotov’s request that he be relieved of his duties as Foreign Minister and had appointed Dmitrii T. Shepilov to replace him. (Ibid.)↩
- Tito visited the Soviet Union June 1–23.↩
- A more detailed analysis by OIR of Molotov’s removal as Foreign Minister is in Soviet Affairs, July 1956, pp. 11–12. (Department of State, INR Files, Soviet Affairs)↩