Memorandum of Conversation with Soviet Ambassador Alexander Panyushkin

um ARCHIVES RECORDS NATIONAL AND mon SECRET - SECURITY IMFORMATION -2- The Ambassador asked whether I could specify exactly what I had in mind. I noted the charges in the Soviet press and other propaganda media that the US is employing bacteriological and chemical warfare in Korea. The Ambassador said he would inform his government but if I wished an expression of his views he could say that the Soviet press is a free press and confines itself to factual reporting; that various commissions had examined the charges under reference and that on its part the American press, as well as other Americans holding official positions, was equally critical of the Soviet Governmente He expanded his remarks, mentioning especially the efforts in which certain Congressmen are engaged to place the blame for the "Hitlerite Katyn massacre" on the Soviets. He added, however, that it is the policy of the Soviet Government to foster friendly relations with the US and, with reference to some of my recent speeches, stated that the Soviet Government believes differences could be settled by negotiation. I said that I would like to be able to accept his statement as to the attitude of the Soviet Government but that unfortunately I was unable to do so. I said, however, that I also favor the negotiation of issues but reiterated my request that the specific matter I had raised wi. th him be brought to his government's attention together with my view that we could not but regard it as of serious significance. DECLASSIFIED Es O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 3(D) de Depr. of State letter, By NLT. He , NARS Date 2-16-76 EUR:EE:WBarbour:AMI SECRET - SECURITY INFORMATION