861.00/11–846: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Durbrow) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received November 8—1:45 p.m.]
4096. Embassy offers following comments on Zhdanov November 7 [6] speech.
Most striking feature of dreary but revealing oration was attention devoted to home front difficulties. About two-thirds of speech dealt with problems or defects of industry, agriculture, rationing, trade, ideology and other domestic problems. Much of what Zhdanov said regarding these subjects was stale rehash of previous pronouncements. Nevertheless, total effect added up to frankest official admission yet of difficulties confronting Soviet Govt and hard times being experienced by masses. One of most significant problems touched on by Zhdanov was political education of youth. His statement that this had special significance and must be organized in spirit of Bolshevik ideas implies that disillusionment on part of youth with Marxian ideology is disturbing Soviet leaders.
[Page 802]General tone of parts of speech dealing with domestic problems appeared to be defensive. Zhdanov admitted that people must make “serious sacrifices” in restoring economy. He explained postponement abolition of ration card system by reference to drouth and, cryptically, reduction of state provision stocks. In concluding section he emphasized that such large part of history of regime had been years of war that it had had little time for peaceful work.
But if somewhat defensive in argument, speech held out no hope to Soviet people or world of relaxation of pressure or abandonment of Bolshevik principles or methods. To solace weary and discouraged Soviet people it painted a black picture of plight of toilers in UK and particularly USA, where Zhdanov claimed there were 3 million unemployed, whose countries were gripped by “great political and economic crises”. It is doubtful if criticism of USA, to most Russians fabulous land of plenty, will give much psychological lift to millions of Soviet citizens living in austerity in comparison with which American unemployed enjoy undreamed of luxury.
Zhdanov reference to labor shortages, caused in part by inflated bureaucracy, and necessary measures to relieve it must sound ominous to many Soviet people. Sections of speech on prices and rationing sounded particularly cold-blooded. Reason given for what amounts to belt tightening for millions of people was abstract fiscal goal of unified price system. Tightening up in collective farms was justified on grounds of adhering to “Bolshevist line”, not by reference to any possible effect on food production.
Above all it was emphasized that regime expects sacrifices by people for “common cause” and relies heavily on inculcation of ideological zeal to inspire cooperation on part of public. Regime’s attitude might almost be said to be “let them eat slogans”.
Foreign affairs section of speech continued line recently set by Stalin, a somewhat confused blend of olive branches and brickbats. USSR was presented as injured innocent which had striven and yearned for “democratic” peace and international collaboration only to be deeply disappointed by machinations of international reaction. Speech contained one particularly neat example of contrast between demagogic assurances intended for gullible at home and abroad and ideological fire and brimstone dished out to Party faithful. Zhdanov quoted Stalin to effect that peoples of world do not want war. He conveniently neglected to mention, however, that in recent issue of Agitator’s Companion very same quotation was followed by another from Stalin asserting that “wars are rooted in very nature of capitalism”.
[Page 803]A fuller analysis of speech from economic view will follow in later telegram.64
Department repeat to London, Paris, Nanking and Tokyo.