63. Telegram From the Embassy in the Soviet Union to the Department of State1
1299. Following announcement Molotov appointment Minister State Control (reported Embtel 1283),2 Central Press today in routine chronicle item reported appointment V.G. Zhavoronkov, former Minister State Control, as Deputy Minister. Following are Embassy’s initial comments on appointments.
Appointment Molotov raises several questions regarding motivations behind move and possible policy implications which impossible answer intelligently on basis present information; however, whatever may be specific reasons for appointment, it does not seem to indicate or presage measurable increase, if any, un [of?] Molotov’s standing in Soviet leadership. Regarding rumor circulating here last week that Malenkov and Molotov to be appointed Chairman Council Ministers and Party First Secretary respectively, Molotov’s new assignment would appear to lay to rest speculation that he might be elevated to top party spot. Should also be noted that Minister State Control as presently constituted is relatively minor post (previous incumbent Zhavoronkov merely candidate member party Central Committee), although as considered below possibility not excluded that job could become more important under Molotov.
On other hand, appointment announcement specifies Molotov retains post First Deputy Chairman Council Ministers and no reason [Page 140] assume his position as member party Presidium affected. Thus, appointment cannot be interpreted as signifying radical downgrading Molotov.
Within these limits, there are several possible interpretations of reasons for and significance move. (1) This could be basically trouble-shooting assignment. Molotov has had previous experience this field. Khrushchev in Central Committee Report to 20th Congress3 criticized Operations Ministry and called for “radical reorganization its work (although press since then has given little attention to subject). (2) New appointment may be time-filling spot designed to charge Molotov with operational duties as far removed from foreign policy field as possible. Well known that Molotov’s differences with present dominant party leadership over foreign policy (particularly rapprochement with Yugoslavia) led to his loss of major influence on foreign policy in 1955 and relinquishment 1956 post Foreign Minister. In this case, present difficulties satellite relations could explain timing of move. However, this would appear unnecessary in view Soviet-Polish declaration and Pravda article today stressing as official policy “different roads to socialism” concept which Molotov supposedly opposed.
Foregoing reasoning would also appear less cogent if Molotov were to retain responsibilities in cultural field which he has held sometime since he stepped down as Foreign Minister. As previously reported, Molotov in conversation with me few weeks ago confirmed earlier rumors that he was responsible for overseeing cultural activities. As late as November 20 Soviet Culture printed account meeting held by Ministry Culture on pictorial arts at which Molotov given top billing and delivered address. (3) Appointment could possibly foreshadow shift economic policy with possible attendant personnel changes. Switch to greater emphasis on consumer goods production could produce economic problems requiring strengthening watch-dog functions this Ministry.
One clue to significance Molotov’s appointment is question future functions and responsibilities Ministry on State Control. If Ministry’s responsibilities remain roughly at level of past few years this could indicate appointment Molotov in effect demotion. On other hand, if his appointment signifies radical increase in role this Ministry it could represent promotion. Evidence on this point may be forthcoming shortly.
As to wider implications, forthcoming plenum party Central Committee, which according to private statements in October by party leaders still scheduled for early December, may give answer.
[Page 141]In conclusion might add that among diplomatic corps and foreign correspondents here there is no consensus opinion as to significance this appointment.
- Source: Department of State, Central piles, 761.13/11–2356. Confidential. Repeated to London and Paris.↩
- Telegram 1283, November 21, reported that Soviet radio announced Molotov’s appointment as Minister of State Control and that the Embassy would comment the following day. (Ibid., 761.13/11–2156)↩
- See Document 26.↩