35. Telegram From the Embassy in the Soviet Union to the Department of State1

746. Embtel 606.2 Following is translation of Keldysh reply to Webb handed today to Embassy officer by Oberemko, Deputy Chief, USA section at MFA:

Begin Verbatim Text.

“Dear Mr. Webb, I received your letter of August 27. The Academy of Sciences of the USSR is grateful for the invitation transmitted on behalf of the President of the United States, to send its representative to Cape Kennedy to observe the launching of the American spaceship ‘Gemini 6.’

Soviet scientists positively evaluate cooperation between our countries in the study of cosmic space for purposes of its peaceful use. However, at the present time our representative cannot avail himself of your invitation.

Availing myself of the opportunity, I would like on behalf of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR to congratulate you, the Cosmonauts G. Cooper and C. Conrad and also the scientists and engineers who took part in the preparation and execution of the flight of the spaceship ‘Gemini 5.’ Respectfully, M. Keldysh, President of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR.”

Kohler
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Records of the Department of State, Central Files, 1964–66, SP 1–1 US–USSR. Limited Official Use; Priority. No time of transmission appears on the source text; the telegram was received at 9:51 a.m.
  2. Dated August 27, 1965. (Ibid., SP 10 US)