FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1946, VOLUME VI



that domestic reasons for Stalin's statements were to relieve, however
briefly, fear of immediate war which was growing among Soviet
masses. In this connection, it is interesting that both Werth and
London Times correspondent Parker (a sedulous fellow traveler)
have told us they believe statements were designed more for domestic
than for foreign consumption. Parker stated that Soviet people had
become so alarmed by war talk that they questioned utility of rebuild-
ing that which was about again to be destroyed. Our impression is
that popular anxiety has been only momentarily relieved. Increased
prices and cuts in bread rations have given rise to fear Government
building up war reserves. An example of this anxiety is statement
made a few days ago by a Soviet contact that remembering food short-
ages of last war she has begun to lay aside supplies of food stuffs for
forthcoming conflict.
  Conclusion on domestic score appears to be that while Stalin felt it
desirable to give temporary respite from mounting anxiety of war, he
believes Soviet masses must even at risk of inducing despair be goaded
to greater production by continuing fear of eventual external attack.
  Dept please pass to Paris as Moscow's 390; repeat to Nanking,
Tokyo, and London.
                                                        DURBROW
861.761/10-946: Telegram
The Amrbassador in the Soviet Union (Smith) to the Secretary
                            of State
CONFIDENTIAL                     Moscow, October 9, 1946-10 p. m.
                                  [Received October 9-4: 41 p. m.]
  3795. Representatives of American broadcasting companies here,
Hottelet of CBS, Magidoff of NBC and Stevens of ABC, were told
yesterday that their future broadcasting time on Moscow radio was
cancelled. In response to their repeated inquiries, they were told
that Soviet broadcasts were being rearranged and that after reshuffle
was completed, it was found that no time was available for broadcasts
by foreign correspondents. They requested interview with Foreign
Office press department which was granted for evening October 9,
but was cancelled same day. They are still negotiating for interview
in which they will seek to discover whether ban is final or temporary.
  Only other radio correspondent is Danish Press Attache. Ameri-
cans believe ban also applies to him but are unable to determine con-
clusive i that such is case because Dane. is ill.
                                                           SMITH



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