Soviet diplomat whose Novikov Telegram answered Kennan's Long Telegram, framing US policy as imperialist expansion
He wrote to Moscow in his 4,004-word dispatch: 'Such a development would mean a serious strengthening of the economic position of the United States in the whole world and would be a stage on the road to world domination.'
Soviet diplomat and ambassador to the United States (1946–1947). In September 1946, responding to George Kennan's 'Long Telegram,' he wrote the 4,004-word Novikov Telegram, analyzing US postwar foreign policy as driven by monopolistic capital seeking world domination and viewing the USSR as its main obstacle. Drafted at Molotov's behest and substantially co-authored by the foreign minister, the telegram remained secret until declassified during glasnost in 1990, when it was recognized as a foundational Cold War document. He had earlier served as ambassador to Egypt (1943–1944) and helped establish diplomatic relations with Syria and Lebanon. Recalled abruptly from Washington in 1947, he was quietly removed from diplomatic service.
Career Timeline
- 1930Graduated Leningrad Oriental Institute; worked in Narkomvneshtorg institutions
- 1935Entered Institute of Red Professors of World Economy and World Politics
- 1938Responsible consultant, First Eastern Dept., NKID
- 1941–1943Head, IV European Dept., NKID
- 1943–1944Ambassador to Egypt (concurrently to Greece)
- 1946–1947Ambassador to the United States
- 1947Relieved as ambassador; transferred to CC personnel reserve
- 1950Joined Union of Soviet Writers; devoted to scholarly and literary work