Memorandum, State Department Summary of Telegrams

DEPARTMENT OF STATE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY WASHINGTON December 5, 1949 SUMMARY OF TELEGRAMS SOVIET UNION Our Embassy in Moscow believes that the Kremlin, in its own appraisal of the Soviet position and prospects as reflected in recent public pronouncements, considers as it did mistakenly in 1947 that the tide of world events is now running in favor of the USSR, and accordingly the Soviets are mobilizing all forces to reap the maximum revolutionary harvest expected as a sequel to World war II. In this context, while the overthrow of Tito appears as the immediate important objective, the Embassy believes that Moscow's primary long-range objective in Europe remains Germany, with strong supporting action in other countries, including in particular France and Italy. In addition to the Yugoslav question, the recent Cominform communique indicates that the Soviets are especially concerned at the present time over Communist labor losses in the western world, the North Atlantic Treaty and the development of western Europe. WESTERN EUROPE Belgian Foreign Minister Van Zeeland has informed Ambassador Hurphy that our approach on the strengthening of the OEEC is very similar to the one which he sent to the OEEC countries on November 24, and that he believes the effect of our appeal will be greatest if held until just before the December 20 meeting of the OEEC ministers which he has requested. Van Zeeland continues to believe that Spaak is the ideal man to head up this work, but that if Spaak does not in the end accept the job, the western powers should proceed with the plan and secure the next best man for the position. Meamihile British Prime Minister Attlee has flatly informed Ambassador Louglas that the UK will not alter its presently expressed negative attitude of "no opposition" to our proposal until after the British have had a chance to survey the views and reactions of the other European countries. AUSTRIA French Foreign Minister Schuman has given Ambas- sador Bruce assurances that France will. not block discussions on the Austrian treaty over the question of an army, as indicated last week, although he admitted quite frankly that there are various things in the treaty which he does not like, and that he had come to question seriously the wisdom of signing as imperfect a treaty DECLASSIFIED E.O. State Dept. C.... By NLT- HC 11.13.to