Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XVI, Eastern Europe; Cyprus; Greece; Turkey

4. Telegram From the Embassy in Czechoslovakia to the Department of State⁰

Prague, July 26, 1961, 5 p.m.

39. Paid courtesy call on Foreign Minister this morning accompanied by DCM.¹ During 50-minute conversation following subjects touched on appear of sufficient interest to report.

1. General relations—David said these not good. Number problems existed but he believed these could be resolved on basis recognition status quo, mutual respect for sovereignty, coexistence leading to peace on planet. Possible I would not like social system here, but realities should be recognized. He did not interestingly enough mention Berlin, disarmament or any other multilateral issue.

2. Economic negotiations—David agreed we were very close to agreement, but then remarked that both countries had lived without agreement since negotiations began in 1955, implying matter not of basic importance. To my comment agreement would be in interest both countries, he remarked he hoped remaining gap in principles of settlement could be closed shortly in order that delegations two countries could work out final language.

3. Trade—David said Czechoslovakia–US trade showed a rising tendency, but was still not satisfactory either in quantity or composition. He referred to US tariffs and controls, which he said were obstacles to improvement trade relations. He agreed Czechoslovakia exports to US twice or more than imports from US but insisted US controls responsible for keeping level low. He did not however specifically mention MFN or strategic controls.

4. Cultural exchanges—I mentioned this subject as one where progress appeared possible and referred to our proposal for October visit Santa Fe opera. David did not react to Santa Fe suggestion, but commented scientific exchanges not going too badly. Dukla Soccer Team was example of good exchange in sports, and indicated other possibilities could be developed in cultural exchanges.

5. Trade fair—He then cited trade fairs as useful field for development, and remarked he considered US country of highly developed technology. He emphasized industrial character of Brno Fair, describing it as world showplace advanced engineering. Implication was clear he hoped US would participate with sophisticated engineering items.

6. Czechoslovakian Chancery Washington—David asked how I found Chancery here in Prague and when I replied that both Chancery and residence were fine buildings, he remarked construction Czecho-slovakian Chancery Washington beset by many difficulties. I referred briefly to zoning regulations, Fine Arts Commission and said Department had approached local authorities in District behalf Czecho-slovakian Embassy. It was my impression major problems had been worked out.

In addition above, I made usual statement about desire improve relations and find solution common problems in spirit mutual helpfulness. David said he and his Ministry would do all they could toward that end and would be of help when necessary with other organs of government.

His manner throughout interview was cool and reserved except at end when he described fishing and hunting possibilities here. I am told this is his usual manner with US officials here, and geniality reserved for representatives Communist and uncommitted countries.

As Dillon and I see it most interesting conclusions to be drawn from talk are these:

(1) Czechoslovakians do not expect any really significant changes in relations with US.

(2) They do however have certain policy aims of which most important probably are (A) US recognition that regime is legitimate and here to stay. This would imply in their minds US abandonment propaganda directed at people here, although naturally under their concept coexistence they would feel free wage ideological war against US wherever possible; (B) increased exports to US to supply badly needed free currency; (C) greater access to US science and technology for use in their own industries, both to make them most competitive and to save research and development costs.

At conclusion of talk David informed me credentials ceremony would take place July 28, 10 a.m.²

Wailes

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.49/7–2661. Confidential; Limit Distribution.
1. President Kennedy had appointed Edward T. Wailes as Ambassador on July 14.
2. Wailes reported on this meeting in telegram 42 from Prague, July 28. (Department of State, Central Files, 611.49/7–2861) Ravndal left post on May 6.