Telegram from United States Ambassador to the Soviet Union Walter Bedell Smith to the Department of State

NLT-550 3 5-10-48 INCOMING TELEGRAM Department of State-Division of Communications and Records DECLASSIFIES TOP SECRET E.O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) DEPT. of STATE LTR. 3.5.73 FROM : Moscow CYHIC-NLT NARS Date 3-14-73 To: Secretary of State NO: NIACT, 867, May 10, 1.a.m. US URGENT EYES ONLY FOR THE SECRETARY FROM SMITH The Soviet Grovernment has familiarized itself with the declaration of the Ambassador of the USA, Mr. Smith, dated May 4, 1948, in connection with the present state of Soviet-American relations. The Soviet Government shares the desire, expressed in this statement by the Government of the USA, to better these relations, and is in agreement with the proposal to proceed with this aim towards a discussion and settlement of the difference existing between us. At the same time the Soviet Government considers it necessary to state that it cannot agree with the Government of the USA that the reason for the present unsatisfactory conditions of Soviet-American relations and the tension in the international situation is a result of the policy of the USSR in eastern Europe and to the increased influence there of the USSR. As concerns the relations of the USSR with bordering as well as other countries of Europe, the Soviet Government notes with satisfaction that in CONERAGE fact these relations following the war have significantly improved. As is known, this has found expression through the exclusion of treaties of friendship and mutual assistance between the USSR and these countries which are directed exclusively against the repetition of aggression on the part of Germany and its possible allies and which, contrary to the statement of the Ambassador of the USA in Moscow, Mr. Smith, do not include any secret protocols. The countries overrun by German aggression are particularly interested in the conclusion of these agreements. It is common knowledge that the USA also is carrying out policy of strengthening its relations with bordering countries, for example, with Canada, Mexico, and also with other countries of America, and this is fully understandable. It is likewise understandable that the Soviet Union also is conducting a policy of strengthening its relations with bordering and other countries of Europe. The USSR will pursue in the future as well its policy of strengthening friendly relationships with these countries of Europe. DECLASSIFIED E.O. 11652. Sec. 3(E) and 5(D) TOP SECRET Ly HE-NLI NARS Date 3-14-13