740.00119 Control (Germany)/4–1548: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union ( Smith ) to the Secretary of State

top secret   us urgent

696. Eyes Only. Since General Clay, and we understand General Robertson as well, have made public statements1 to effect that British and ourselves are going to remain in Berlin in accordance with previously reached agreements, I believe decision whether to send proposed joint note Soviet Government (Deptel 402, April 142), should be based on best Berlin estimate whether current provocations Berlin and Vienna are opening gun in all-out campaign to make our position Berlin and Vienna untenable or whether they consider reasonable agreement can be reached and that firm stand already taken will deter Soviets from pushing matter further.

(1) If believed situation is such that note should be sent concur in its despatch with following suggested change:

In dealing with Soviets one must of course always bear in mind that face plays an important part in their thinking. Therefore, believe that if decided make joint diplomatic démarche, proposed note, general tenor of which I approve, should end with paragraph leaving door open to an expression of Soviet views on how to work out general arrangements for our continued occupation Berlin and Vienna.

[Page 895]

(2) On other hand if Berlin believes compromise can be reached I am of opinion despatch of note might hinder rather than help reaching solution.

Sent Dept 696. Dept pass Berlin 96, Vienna 7 from Moscow.

Smith
  1. General Clay’s statement was made to the press on April 3. General Robertson’s statement was included in speech delivered in Duesseldorf on April 7.
  2. Not printed; for the text of the note under reference here see telegram 1423, p. 896.