301. Telegram From the Embassy in the Soviet Union to the Department of State1
3270. Subj: Pueblo.
In course my conversation with Gromyko today, I noted Soviets had been informed re our latest exchange with North Koreans on Pueblo and asked him if he could offer any suggestions. Gromyko inquired if we had received North Korean reaction to our latest proposal. I said that while North Korean response to our proposal for investigation by international body had been negative, we had not received any response to our latest suggestion. Gromyko said Soviets knew North Koreans had received our latest views but, of course, did not know whether or how they would react to them. Nevertheless, he thought perhaps North Koreans might comment on them. In any event, he felt it was very good that discussions continued in relatively calm atmosphere. He then asserted main difficulties stemmed from our refusal recognize facts. [Page 675] When I pointed out we could establish facts by getting the crew back and asking them what happened, as well as by having international body conduct an investigation, Gromyko pooh-poohed idea by saying only moon or stars knew exactly what the facts were. I countered by saying that if international body were to find that facts confirmed North Korean story, there would be no problem as far as we concerned. I then observed President had been receiving letters allegedly written by members of crew, noting this not helpful since it stirred up emotions in US. Gromyko concluded conversation on this subject by expression usual caveat that his remarks had not been made at anyone’s request.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 33–6 KOR N–US. Secret; Priority;Nodis.↩