Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, Central and Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume IV

611.49/4–1550: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Czechoslovakia

secret

Washington , April 17, 1950—7 p. m.

281. Urtel 546, Apr 15.¹ We conclude fm your report on démarche attitude Siroky consistently negative and consequently assume Czech Govt will probably continue on deliberately provocative course by orders Kremlin designed eliminate or paralyze USIS activities and reduce Emb to status Fon missions Moscow. We also take account prospect Kolarek’s expulsion in matter days.

Nevertheless we doubt advantage taking retaliatory steps before demand for recall Kolarek or other direct action against Emb. Since we have made approach to FonOff, even tho Siroky not responsive that time, it wld appear essential give opportunity to Czechs reflect on our position and possibly consult Moscow before we can be certain whether interview will have had any positive effect. Decision Czech Govt re Kolarek shd provide sufficient test any modification in attitude.

We seek moreover build for ourselves best possible case for world opinion as to our scrupulous regard for principle free exchange info and observance normal dipl practices so all onus will be on present regime for any action we are forced take in departure fm such standards in protection Amer rights.

Finally if at all possible to save our info program in Czech by deferring retaliation until known whether Kolarek recalled we wld wish to do so.

If however Kolarek recalled, we shall consider first fol possible retaliatory measures: (1) Notify Czechs their informal approach made here ascertain whether possible open Trade Commissioner’s Office in San Francisco cannot be regarded favorably view circumstances that have recently developed in relations two countries (even in absence provocative incidents we wld have taken position no need this kind of office since usual practice Fon Govts to promote trade thru consular offices and since Czechs have no important trading interests on Pacific coast);² (2) close Czech consulate in Chicago. Latter action shd suggest Czechs consequences they must expect if they proceed further in their irresponsible flouting accepted dipl canons.

If Czechs nevertheless continue provocative action against US interests, e.g., in connection with forthcoming trials, we wld then consider closing other Czech consulates. Since Brit and Fr involved it may not be possible to deny issuance mil permits³ until their interests likewise affected. This may become subj for discussion at FonMin’s mtg. Withdrawal invitation participate Chicago Trade Fair not feasible view Czech request to Fair management to cancel arrangements for space (ur 547, Apr. 15⁴).

Knowledge by FonOff Kosmak affidavit (ur 545, Apr 15⁵) appears likely lead to her expulsion sooner or later. We think it better anticipate this action by her immed trans from Czech which will enable us publicize affidavit more freely at most strategic time. In our view release affidavit most effective simultaneously with transmission note FonOff in reply to its demand for Kolarek’s recall. Trans orders for Kosmak to another Eur post will accordingly go forward soonest. If you see objection trans can be cancelled on receipt urtel.

Recommend postponement further note FonOff on Czech planes (ur 543, Apr 15⁶) until clear what next step Czech Govt may be.

Acheson

1. Ante, p. 545.
2. Telegram 297, April 24, to Praha, not printed, stated that the Department of State had informed the Czechoslovak Embassy that day that no further consideration could be given to the matter of the possible opening of a Czechoslovak Trade Commissioner’s Office in San Francisco in view of recent developments in the relations between the two governments (611.49/4–2450).
3. The issuance of permits to enter or pass through the Western zones of occupation of Germany was the responsibility of the Combined Travel Board of the Allied High Commission for Germany. The Allied High Commission Permit Office (formerly, the Combined Military Permit Office) in Praha discharged consular responsibilities with respect to the Federal Republic of Germany.
4. Supra.
5. Not printed. Regarding Assistant Attaché Kosmak’s affidavit, see the editorial note, p. 544.
6. Not printed. In it Ambassador Briggs recommended that he be authorized to inform the Czechoslovak Government by note of the completion of the American investigation of the three Czechoslovak aircraft which landed at Erding, in West Germany (see the editorial note, p. 543), and that the United States was prepared to release the aircraft if the Czechoslovak Government published the two American Embassy notes of April 6 or withdrew its two notes of March 30. (611.49/4–1550)