Office of the Historian

740.00119 Council/5–2448: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom

top secret   us urgent
niact
Washington, May 24, 1948—10 p. m.

1893. For Douglas from the Secretary and Lovett.

1.
We confirm your opinion that with a full understanding of the risks involved it is essential to proceed with completion of agreement at London on basis projected, including adherence to time schedule for provisional Govt.
2.
Ascertain specifically from Brit their willingness to go ahead with provisional Govt for bizonal area on proposed time schedule, without the French if necessary, which we are prepared to do. Please advise immediately if Brit will definitely commit themselves.
3.
Continue to persuade French, impressing them we are convinced that German Govt organization is required for success of ERP, that any hesitation or rift in allied front will be exploited as sign of weakness to detriment our position in Berlin and that French defection is likely to provoke strong Congressional reaction. If French do not yield they may then be informed that US can undertake no commitments regarding Ruhr arrangement and security against Germany. Have French considered that absence of Ruhr settlement restricting control to neighboring interested countries may leave Ruhr area open to later Sov claim to participate in affairs of that area?
4.
In order to anticipate and counter in advance Sov propaganda, you may discuss, initially with Bevin, desirability of having communiqué dealing with conference work include as a preamble explanation of the circumstances which impel western nations to set up governmental arrangements in western Germany, their purpose and their provisional character pending a final settlement on basis of German economic and political unity. Statement could mention hitherto [Page 276] unsuccessful efforts to reach comprehensive decisions on German Govt and could express view that progress achieved respecting western Germany would not only not preclude but should facilitate eventual attainment of four power agreement on Germany as a whole. Communiqué might be presented to Sovs immediately prior to public release.
5.
In your discretion you may urge upon Benelux representatives same considerations presented to French respecting our judgment on need for establishment western German provisional Govt.
6.
If French maintain their opposition, as we earnestly hope they will not, discuss with Berlin possibility of achieving agreement at least on immediate currency reform throughout trizonal area and other economic measures which will facilitate operation of ERP.

Please inform Clay and Murphy regarding this message.

For Caffery—Please urge upon Bidault pertinent considerations set forth above.

Sent London as 1893; repeated to Paris as 1786.

Marshall