147. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom0
3985. Re Londonʼs 2657, Moscowʼs 2008.1 Department generally agrees with British analysis Soviet developments, subject to comments in Moscowʼs 2008, with which Department agrees.
Our crystal ball no less cloudy than British. We inclined believe, however, there less question of serious split in Soviet leadership than indecision among leaders, including Khrushchev, over policies to follow. Closely related factor is magnitude and number of inter-related problems requiring decision. As both FonOff and Embassy Moscow point out, Khrushchev and Mikoyan trips strongly indicate absence of leadership crisis. These trips do indicate, however, seriousness with which Soviets view certain of problems they currently facing: agriculture (Khrushchev tours) and relations with African states, especially following apparent difficulties in Guinea (Mikoyan trip). We also inclined believe that at least until other problems are partially back on rails Soviets wish let Berlin crisis simmer without either reaching boiling point, or bringing loss of prestige which Soviet calling off of crisis would involve.
Senior Department officers have spoken on above lines in various recent appearances before Congressional committees.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 761.00/1-1862. Confidential. Drafted by Valdes on January 25, cleared by Guthrie and Bohlen, and approved by Kohler. Repeated to Moscow and Paris.↩
- Document 144 and footnote 6 thereto.↩