252. Telegram From the Embassy in the Soviet Union to the Department of State0
Moscow, October 16,
1962, 9 p.m.
982. Policy. Comment completing series on Khrushchev-Kohler talk today.
- 1.
- While Khrushchev slightly qualified his remarks on visit to USA, fact that he returned to subject twice on his own initiative, fact he already has agenda in mind, and manner of speaking made clear to both Davies and me that he has as of now made basic decision to make the trip.
- 2.
- I plan to see Kuznetzov next week to follow-up on some lesser matters of bilateral interest, at which time I shall express our interest in knowing as far in advance as possible development of Khrushchevʼs plans.
- 3.
- Khrushchev is thinner than I remember him from visit to USA. However, he had some color from his recent travels in the central Asian country-side and looked to be in good health. His speech was restrained even when he was voicing standard polemical anti-“imperialist” themes, and these were relieved by occasional banter or roguish expressions which seemed to assure I would not take his words too seriously.
Kohler
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 033.6111/10-1662. Secret; Priority. Eyes Only.↩