811.42700 (R)/8–149: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union
552. VOA Deptel 544, Aug. 1. In your discretion you might inquire of Generalissimo as to his views on cultural and info exchanges as a means of increasing internatl understanding. Shld he reply as he has in past with some generalized affirmation in favor thereof you might raise question of jamming of VOA along fol lines. Since Stalin shares view that free exchange of info between peoples shld be encouraged and Sov Govt has frequently expressed its wish to contribute to internatl understanding US Govt is surprised at recent efforts in Sov Union to jam VOA. Radio direction finders have established beyond doubt location several large concentrations of jammers on Sov terr. This effort to exclude Amer broadcasts is difficult to reconcile with professed desire of Sov Govt for friendship between peoples of world. Aside from its effect upon public opinion this jamming effort on Sov terr represents deliberate violation of internatl agreements to which Sov Govt has adhered, namely Madrid Convention in 19321 and Cairo Convention in 1938.2 US Govt perplexed at these divergences between Sov actions and Sov words.
[Page 639]It wld be helpful if Stalin cld clarify this matter. Shld Stalin criticize contents of VOA broadcasts it is suggested you reply that US Govt wld have expected Sov Govt to call its attn to any allegedly objectionable broadcasts of VOA through normal dipl channel rather than resort to jamming in deliberate violation of existing treaties.
- The International Telecommunication Convention, Regulations and Protocols Annexed Thereto, was signed tat Madrid on December 9, 1932. For text, see 49 Stat. (pt. 2) 2391.↩
- The Regulations and Protocols of the Madrid Convention of 1932 as Revised, was signed at Cairo on April 4 and 8, 1938. For text, see 54 Stat. (pt. 2) 1417.↩