60. Editorial Note
According to the memorandum of discussion at the 291st meeting of the National Security Council on July 19, Allen Dulles made the following remarks as part of his briefing on significant world developments affecting United States security:
“The Director of Central Intelligence said that the USSR was caught in a dilemma. The Soviets wish to continue their de-Stalinization program and at the same time cut off the debate that is now going on regarding de-Stalinization and the question of freedom. They wish to foster the impression that there is no change in their policy of “liberalization”, but also wish to close ranks and adopt a “harder” line, particularly toward the West. They wish to hold the loyalty of the Communist leaders generally in non-Communist countries, and also disavow certain of those leaders. They wish to modify conditions in the satellites, but at the same time “keep the lid on” and prevent additional riots such as those which recently occurred in Poland.
“Mr. Dulles then noted that a recent cable from Ambassador Bohlen had expressed the view that Pervukhin appeared to be gaining increasing influence in the Soviet governing hierarchy. This view was based on information regarding the seating arrangements at recent high-level Soviet meetings.” (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records)