862t.01/206: Telegram
The Commissioner at Berlin (Dresel) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received December 8—12:40 p.m.]
1393. Your 1974, December 4, 4 p.m. In order to prevent possible impression that we were at variance with Allies on the subject I thought it best to talk informally with Simons. While stating our opinion as to inadvisability of course taken by him I avoided anything which could be construed as an actual protest. In reply Simons stated that the journey was not the result of impulse but had been preceded by prolonged Cabinet discussion in which the delicacy of the situation as regards Entente was fully realized. The Government felt, however, that the object of showing interest in the Rhineland population was all important in view of the isolation to which they thought themselves subject; the result had been altogether [Page 338] beneficial. The population far from having been excited by the speeches was now much more tranquil than before.
In conclusion Simons stated that Cabinet members would in all probability avoid entering the Rhineland in future as they would be unwilling to give assurances demanded.
The matter has been discussed by a Cabinet council but no answer has been sent yet to the Allied protest.