511.6141/12–750: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Barbour) to the Secretary of State
1155. Re Deptel 386, December 4.1 US delegation arrived November 24,2 expressed great satisfaction and gratitude opportunity visit USSR and see life Soviet people and its creative peaceful labor.
Press 28th reported US delegation received by Soviet Committee Peace and Chairman Tikhonov.3 Holland Roberts quoted as stating: Delegates had come from peace congress, where “together with you we fought for firm and enduring peace”; carrying out of decisions taken at congress has enormous significance for American people and no difficulties will stop Peace Partisans. Other American delegates spoke of difficulties in gathering Stockholm signatures in US, and speech Jackie Klek, who collected about 4, 000 signatures in Los Angeles, warmly received. Molly Lucas stated Negroes willingly [Page 1271] signing for they know war which American imperialists waging is not for democracy. Kingsbury, Theresa Robinson and Charles Howard cited examples of tireless self-sacrificing fight of honest Americans for peace. Delegation sent open letter to Ambassador, dated November 28, re Embassy despatch 272, December l.4
Most papers December 2 carried text letter Roberts behalf US delegation to Tikhonov, which: expressed confidence possibility Soviet-US cooperation; stated consistent fight for peace essential for all peoples; asserted that, as result of close acquaintance with representatives of USSR and of examining various institutions during visit, US delegation again convinced itself USSR does not want war; expressed belief that “exchange of such representative delegations US” would have great significance in establishing mutual understanding between “our two peace loving peoples”; asked Soviet committee help organize exchange of delegates between USSR–US and, in return, pledged every effort to secure cooperation in noble struggle for peace. Tikhonov same day replied Soviet committee welcomed aspirations of peace envoys of US people and that one way increase cultural links in exchange of delegates, etc.
December 5 papers carried December 4 Moscow press conference. Roberts quoted as stating that: As first US delegation to come since 1947, they were profoundly impressed by what they had seen; since his last visit 16 years ago, incredible successes achieved. Roberts then read lengthy statement, signed by all (19) members, which stated: Hope that day not distant when Soviet delegates will be freely received in US: war inflicting monstrous destruction on Koreans, making US land of barracks, and threatens become war against CPR; the longer crisis continues, more danger of world atomic war; Soviet hospitality was boundless, and delegates were touched by reception by working people, by great achievements in restoration, in culture, ballet, etc.; whole atmosphere Soviet life imbued with spirit of peaceful creative labor; delegates struck by desire for peace when, “at our own wish, we visited any town, asked any questions that occurred to us and willingly obtained replies from workers, students, [apparent garble],” etc.; delegates have different political and religious convictions but none doubt Soviet people desires and is working for peace; if only US Government would spend small part of billions set aside for war in order that tens of thousands of fellow countrymen might make such trip; delegates proud of much in democratic heritage in US and also critical of much; to save US from catastrophe and preserve opportunity for democratic progress, necessary peace in Korea, prevent US war against CPR, and reach US-Soviet agreement plus long [Page 1272] period peaceful coexistence; delegates solemnly appeal to Americans, from Moscow, to act quickly to return US Government to peace policy; trade unionists in delegation profoundly impressed by immense achievements in Moscow auto Leningrad machine building, and Stalingrad tractor factories; US workers could have work and peace if US Government would devote resources to develop peaceful trade with USSR instead of weapons; educators and clergy in delegation impressed by high level Soviet education and high moral character Soviet people; absence racial hatred highly valued; “we return home, however, as the supporters of one very important cause only—that of renewing and continuing struggle for peace; we will disseminate as widely as possible this one idea.”
Howard and Robinson stated delegation intends to carry out Warsaw congress decisions in US through mass meeting, activation work of local committees, educational work, etc. Clergyman Muir and trade unionist Yolande Hall described difficult conditions US Peace Partisans. Kingsbury, trade unionist Dorothy Cowle and others, spoke on need for developing cultural collaboration. Ephouse said delegates extremely indignant at latest Truman statement on threats of war against China.5
Full texts newspaper report above being pouched air mail.6
- Not printed. The Department of State had requested the Embassy to report on the remarks made by the visiting members of the American peace delegation.↩
- Under the leadership of Professor Holland Roberts several members of the American delegation came from the meetings of the Second World Congress of the Partisans of Peace in Warsaw (November 16–22), to visit in Moscow, with side trips to Leningrad and Stalingrad, before leaving about December 4. The Embassy remarked that the Soviet authorities had everywhere made special efforts to create favorable impressions upon the visitors.↩
- Nikolay Semënovich Tikhonov, a poet and at times a war correspondent, was Chairman of the Committee for Peace of the Soviet Union.↩
- Not printed. A copy of the letter was enclosed in this despatch. (700.001/12–150) The Embassy reported in telegram 1135 on December 3 that an article entitled “The Fears of Alan Kirk” had been published on that day in Pravda based upon the Ambassador’s refusal to receive the delegation. (961. 61/12–350)↩
- Probably intended is President Truman’s statement on the Chinese invasion in Korea and the consequences entailed read at his news conference on November 30. For the text, see Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Harry S. Truman, 1950, pp. 724–725.↩
- Not printed.↩