Telegram from Ambassador Alan Kirk to Secretary of State Dean Acheson

FEIP Assigned to Action WRS FY Department State ACTION COPY/ TELEGRAPH BRANCH JUN 2 6 1951 Date SECRET 23 D X FEP Action Office Symbol 139 DEPARTMENT OF SIAIE FB June FROM: Moscow Name of Officer 2:46 office OF CHINESE TO: Secretary of StateDirection to DC/R REFAIRS SS JUN 26 1951 G P 2166, June 25, 7 p.m. DEPARTMENT OF STATE EUR UNA US UN DEPT PASS LONDON, PARIS, TOKYO. SENT DEPT 2166, RPTD INFO DCR LONDON 396, PARIS 679, TOKYO 39. Hedged though it may be as being expression of will of Soviet people rather than attitude of Soviet Govt itself and as being only first step in solution of problem, concept in Malik's radio address that cease fire should be arranged between belligerents in Korea and troops withdrawn from 38th Parallel represents significant new turn in Soviet approach to Korea in that it abandons as immediate conditions for talks about peaceful settle- ment in Korea, agreement for complete withdrawal foreign troops from Korea and discussion of admission CPR to UN and disposition of Formosa. This may reflect concern over deepening difficulties in FE for both USSR and CPR and hence may be indication their willingness settle on something less than previously announced ob jectives. This not necessarily so, of course, and Sovs have much to gain through this maneuver by enhancing alleged position as peacemaker and if offer does result in talks of any kind, having suitable forum for pounding home free propaganda themes. However, attitude of Sov people as expressed by Malik does appear to coincide with views of UN as expressed cease fire resolution as far as first step is concerned. Hence Embassy believes it would be desirable investigate any element of sincerity that may be contained. Malik's address does not constitute a proposal and makes no reference to machinery for getting together on basis of "belief of Soviet peoples". Believe we shld, in any answering statement, point out that we are interested to hear Sov views but have recd no indication from Commie belligerents that they desire to take such first step toward attaining peace in Korea. Regardless of whether or not there is element of sincerity in views expressed by Malik Emb feels that strong counter, blast shld be made to propaganda argumentation preceding his remarks on a cease fire and armistice in Korea. As usual they are sophistry throughout and can be very con- vincingly refuted. Self righteous Sov role of peacemaker wld appear PERMANENT RECORD COPY This copy must be returned to DC/R central files with notation of action taken