Transcript of the Conversation Between N.S. Khrushchev and the Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the USSR, J.B. Elliott

[Handwritten: “Disseminated”]

TRANSCRIPT OF THE CONVERSATION BETWEEN N.S. KHRUSHCHEV AND THE AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA TO THE USSR, J.B. ELLIOTT

18 December 1961[*]

After exchanging greetings N.S. Khrushchev says that, unfortunately, he was unable to receive J. Elliott earlier due to being very busy and ill.

J. Elliott responds that he understands N.S. Khrushchev’s busy schedule and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to have this conversation.

J. Elliott further says that he accompanied President Nkrumah on his return trip from the USSR to Ghana. The President instructed him, upon arriving in Moscow, to visit N.S. Khrushchev and deliver a personal message expressing profound gratitude for the attention and care shown to him during his stay in the Soviet Union. (The translation of the message is attached to the transcript of the conversation).N.S. Khrushchev replies that he is glad to learn that the President enjoyed his stay in the Soviet Union, and adds that if the President wishes, he can come again on vacation to Crimea or the Caucasus.

J. Elliott, on behalf of Nkrumah, informs N.S. Khrushchev that the internal political complications that occurred in Ghana while Nkrumah was out of the country have been resolved, and the government is now fully in control of the situation in the country.

Ambassador delivers a letter from K. Nkrumah to N.S. Khrushchev, which touches upon some issues of Soviet-Ghanaian economic cooperation. (Attached to the transcript of the conversation).

N.S. Khrushchev confidentially informs the ambassador about A.I. Mikoyan’s visit to the Republic of Guinea in early January of 1962 at the invitation of the government and the Politburo of the Democratic Party of Guinea. N.S. Khrushchev says that, without waiting for the publication of an official notification, the ambassador may inform President Nkrumah about this, and if the President wishes to invite A.I. Mikoyan to visit Accra, A.I. Mikoyan will not miss an opportunity to acquaint himself with the life of the Republic of Ghana and meet with President Nkrumah.

Ambassador replies that he will immediately inform President Nkrumah about A.I. Mikoyan's visit to Guinea, and he thinks that the President will take this opportunity to invite A.I. Mikoyan to Accra. Ambassador is also confident that A.I. Mikoyan will be given the warmest and most cordial welcome in Ghana.

Referring to the instructions of K. Nkrumah, J. Elliott says that he would like to preliminary discuss with N.S. Khrushchev the possibility of awarding N.S. Khrushchev, the highest Ghanaian order.

N.S. Khrushchev expresses gratitude to K. Nkrumah for his intention to give him an award, but he explains in detail to the ambassador the current rule of the Soviet Union according to which Soviet leaders usually do not accept foreign orders.

J. Elliott explains that the medal under consideration is the Ghanaian medal "For Service to Africa”, which is awarded to prominent figures from foreign countries, and he suggests presenting it to N.S. Khrushchev as a commemorative medal.

N.S. Khrushchev once again explains to the ambassador the reasons why the said medal cannot be accepted.

At the end of their conversation, N.S. Khrushchev requests that the ambassador pass on warm greetings to President Nkrumah and his family.

Elliott responds that he will definitely do it.

Ambassador expressed gratitude to N.S. Khrushchev for the conversation.

The conversation was attended by the Acting Head of the 2nd African Department of the USSR Ministry of Foreign Affairs, B.I. Karavayev.

Translated and recorded by the First Secretary of the 2nd African Department of the USSR Ministry of Foreign Affairs, B. Vorobyov.