740.00119 European War 1939/2499
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State (Berle)55
[Washington,] February 2, 1944.
The attached secret telegram, relating to a German military group which has
made overtures to OSS informants, has two points of interest, the latter
disquieting.
First, the group intimates the possibility of a putsch, followed by a “surrender to the West” and asks for “political
ammunition”, which, of course, would mean assurances or the like of use to
them. OSS, of course, is not following this up in any way and has no desire
to, which is in line with the consistent policy of the Department.
Second, this group indicates that certain of their associates in Spain and/or
Lisbon have been in touch with Beaulac56 and with
Campbell,57 the British Minister [Ambassador] in Lisbon. True or not,
[Page 497]
this means that a German military group, composed in
part of former German intelligence people and perhaps in touch with present
German intelligence, is saying that it has established contact with a
Britisher and an American, and that they have received encouragement from
Campbell.
So far as I am aware, nothing of the kind has been heard in respect to
Beaulac.
My fear is that attempts will be made by German intelligence groups to create
some situation which they can later represent to the Soviets as preliminary
steps to a separate peace. This would be in line with their present known
strategy of endeavoring to find ways and means of dividing the three
powers.
I wonder if it would not be well to cable Beaulac to be on his guard, and
take up with the British a similar warning to Campbell.
You may also wish to consider informing the Soviet representatives. Here is a
matter which is already being discussed in Switzerland, where everything
eventually becomes known, relating to matters which appear to have occurred
in Lisbon and, perhaps, Spain, where most things are discovered pretty
promptly.
OSS officials have told me that the cable has been suppressed and that they
have no further interest other than to lay it before the Department for its
information.
[Annex]
Breakers
The German oppositional group, called Breakers, is composed of various
intellectuals from certain military and Government circles. They have a
loose organization among themselves. I57a have been given to understand
that the member of the group whose surname is John58 is one of Canaris’59 men for Spain and Portugal, intended
especially for Anglo-Saxon contacts. You may be interested to know that
for the most part, Breakers maintain their foreign contacts and
communications through Canaris organization and both X and Y act as
intermediaries here in Bern.
For a number of reasons, I have not talked with the British about the
Breakers’ situation at this particular time, and pending further
developments I recommend that you also refrain from doing so on the
basis of information in my messages.
[Page 498]
These groups are made up of well-educated and liberal individuals, but
nevertheless, they do not have rightist tendencies and are confident
that in the future the Government will have to be really leftist.
We have at the present time, by means of Y, secured a line to Breakers
which we think can be used now for staying in close touch with events.
Since any slight break would be disastrous, no constructive purpose
would be served by cabling particulars. The Breakers contain three
tendencies, on the whole, i.e. evolutionary, revolutionary, and
military. The first of these factions takes the stand that, in the face
of history and the people, complete responsibility should be shouldered
to the grim conclusion by the leader and his cohorts. In general, the
other two groups think that drastic action should be taken to get rid of
the leader, and that a new government should be organized before the
fighting stops so that it could thereupon join in the negotiations. In
spite of these contrary opinions, these groups keep in touch and are
very eager to obtain political ammunition from our side. They consider
this to be sadly wanting, and they wish it to reenforce their movement
at the present time and following the collapse, as well. Western
orientation is preferred by the Breakers over Eastern orientation, but
they fear that their nation is being directed by events toward the
influence of the East. They are in favor of extensive social
changes.
Are you able to check, in an extremely judicious manner, the word which
we have received that an associate of Y, whose name is John, has been in
contact with Campbell and Beaulac? It is very likely that this is
exceedingly secret. I am informed by Y that he and his friends are
inclined to doubt the encouragement which John has received from
Campbell regarding the idea that negotiations would be facilitated by
putting the Military in power and changing the government.
I would appreciate hearing of any indication with which you could supply
me regarding what you would be interesting [interested] in achieving via the Breakers, and could be
pursued effectively at this time. I do not understand what our policy is
and what offers, if any, we could give to any resistance movement.
