Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Eastern Europe, Volume XXV

10. Telegram From the Department of State to the Legation in Hungary¹

Washington, March 21, 1955—1:04 p.m.

272. Ref: Legtel 418, March 8.² VOA planning make limited use suggested approach labelling few selected officials each satellite as “representing Soviets”. Rakosi is, of course, logical target in Hungary. In this connection has been longstanding VOA practice miss no opportunity remind listeners satellite regimes as whole represent interests of Kremlin rather than those of local populations.

Do not feel, however, this appropriate time overplay theme of “swing back to tough line”. VOA treatment recent developments USSR and satellites, especially Hungary, cannot but leave impression immediate future inevitably somewhat darker, but care taken not destroy hopes and morale of populations. Nor do we wish leave impression recent changes necessarily viewed as forerunners increased deterioration US-Soviet relations.

VOA greatly appreciative Legation’s many suggestions and guidances.

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 764.00/3–855. Secret. Drafted by S.M. King (IBS/PME); cleared in IOP and EE.
2. In telegram 418, the Legation suggested repetitive propaganda characterizing Hungarian officials, particularly Rákosi, as Soviet officials or Soviet citizens, thus playing on Hungarian nationalism and possibly exacerbating tension among Communist Party ranks in Hungary. In addition, the Legation suggested stressing the “swing back to the tough line” in both Hungary and the Soviet Union. (Ibid., 764.00/3–855)