352. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Sweden0
490. Most literally eyes only for the Vice President from the Secretary.1 President and I have discussed possibility quick informal visit to Leningrad and have consulted Ambassador Thompson. Our judgment is that it would be inadvisable and would throw negative shadow over expected successful visits to Scandinavian countries. We estimate Soviets would react adversely to short visit by such high personage which could not include proper visit to Moscow, suitable hospitality, and talks with highest Soviet leaders. They would want such visit to be main event rather than appendage to others. Second reason is that we are now in sensitive period of relations with allies, especially Germans and French, who would react publicly with suspicion about such a visit in context our discussions about when and on what further exchanges with Soviets should take place.
- Source: Department of State, Rusk Files: Lot 72 D 192, Chron. Top Secret; Priority. Drafted and approved by Rusk and cleared with Tyler.↩
- Documentation on the Vice Presidentʼs trip to northern Europe, September 2-17, is ibid., Conference Files: Lot 66 D 110, CF 2304-2309B and in the Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Trips and Conferences Series, Vice Presidential Trips.↩