261.1122/4–4850: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
1163. Reference Embtel 1041 of April 4.1 Yesterday Embassy received letter Anna Spiegel stating “due to my health and family complications, I temporarily refuse to depart to the US.” Today Embassy officer called on Mrs. Spiegel to try to verify case in view of her oral statement made on 2 occasions to that officer that she urgently desired depart for US soonest. Apartment house where she lives guarded by armed militiaman, who however did not deny admittance to building. At apartment couple who claimed to be granddaughter and latter’s husband refused to let officer see Spiegel, saying she Soviet citizen and didn’t want to leave Soviet Union. It was apparent that couple and servants very perturbed.
Obvious that Soviet pressure put on family. This development follows 2 visits Embassy officials to Foreign Office to attempt to arrange Spiegel’s early departure.
In view of foregoing and Soviet promise in note of February 28 to let Mrs. Spiegel leave Soviet Union, recommend publicity be given [Page 1150] case; suggest Department inform Senator Paul Douglas2 who has expressed interest. Embassy feels publicity can now do Mrs. Spiegel no harm and might conceivably force Soviets to reconsider.