711.61/2–349: Airgram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kohler) to the Secretary of State
A–111. As a supplement to the Embassy’s translation of Stalin’s replies to questions submitted to him by Kingsbury Smith of the International News Service, forwarded to the Department in airgram [Page 565] A–98, dated January 31, 1949, a translation of the later telegraphic exchange between Smith and Stalin is enclosed herewith.1
The Reply of I. V. Stalin to Kingsbury Smith’s Telegram
On February 1st, the European Director of the American agency “International News Service”, Kingsbury Smith, sent the following telegram to I. V. Stalin from Paris:
“To Generalissimo Iosif Stalin,
Your Excellency,
The official representative of the White House, Charles Ross,2 stated today that President Truman would be glad of an opportunity of meeting you in Washington. Would you, Your Excellency, be prepared to travel to Washington for this purpose. If not, then where would you be prepared to meet the President.
With deep respect, Kingsbury Smith, European Director of the ‘International News Service’.”
I. V. Stalin has sent the following reply to Kingsbury Smith:
“To Mr. Kingsbury Smith, European Director of the ‘International News Service’.
I have received your telegram of February 1st.
I am grateful to President Truman for his invitation to Washington. A visit to Washington has long been my desire, about which I spoke at the time to President Roosevelt in Yalta and to President Truman in Potsdam. Unfortunately, at the present time I am deprived of the opportunity of realising this wish of mine, since doctors resolutely oppose my taking any long journey, particularly by sea or by air.
The Government of the Soviet Union would welcome a visit by the President to the USSR. It would be possible to arrange a conference in Moscow or in Leningrad, or in Kaliningrad, in Odessa or in Yalta—as the President chooses, if, of course, this is not contrary to the President’s convenience.
If, however, this proposal meets with an objection, it would be possible to arrange a meeting in Poland or in Czechoslovakia—at the President’s discretion.
With respect, I. Stalin. 2nd February, 1949”
- The Embassy remarked in telegram 262 from Moscow on February 2 that “Stalin’s second reply to Kingsbury-Smith clearly attempt put President on spot and wring last drop propaganda value this latest move Soviet peace offensive”. It seemed now that the opportunity had improved to retake the initiative on the lines which had been suggested in telegram 242 of January 31. (711.61/2–249)↩
- Charles G. Ross was the White House press secretary.↩