862.00/4–646: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Political Adviser for Germany ( Murphy )
859. We have been following attentively your telegrams dealing with proposed merger of KPD and SPD and have noted with concern the many indications of pressure, denial of free discussion, and undemocratic methods, employed by those seeking to effect merger. We endorse strongly General Clay’s press statement (urtel 875, Mar 25)57 that merger will be recognized by US authorities only if demanded by party members rather than a small group of party leaders. We likewise consider entirely proper General Barker’s action approving the SPD City Convention (urtel 966, Apr 6). We believe that very important issues are involved in matter of SPD–KPD merger and wish to express our unqualified support for position our military authorities have taken.