March 21, 1949
GUBITCHEV CASE
At the Cabinet lunch today, the President asked the Attorney General and me to make a statement on our respective views regarding this case.
After these statements and a general discussion, with expressions of views by each Member of the Cabinet, the President decided that we should hold Gubitchev for trial. We should so inform the Russian Ambassador, telling him that after the trial we will review the matter of his disposition, depending upon the developments at the trial. This is intended to be a vague statement which would cover the issues of innocence or guilt, possible developments at the trial of a new nature, possible deportation or imprisonment.
Such a message should go forward at once and I believe it would be wise to read it to the Attorney General.
Dean Acheson
S:DAcheson:mlm