740.00119 Control (Germany)/6–1748: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
1384. The Soviet Delegate walked out of the 12th meeting of the Allied commandants of Berlin 13 hours after session had begun on June 16. Circumstances of this withdrawal which may mean breakup of Allied Kommandatura were as follows: At about 1045 p. m., Colonel Howley, US commandant, proposed ending fruitless discussion then going on concerning British proposal for general 20% wage increase in Berlin and further proposed that session be terminated at about 11 o’clock as he felt nothing useful could be accomplished after that hour. Colonel Yelisarov, who was representing General Kotikov in latter’s absence, rejected Howley’s suggestion as he insisted he should not be deprived of right already enjoyed by others to present items under “other business”. He thereupon introduced lengthy statement practically repeating Kotikov’s 14-point labor program of last October 31. There was some discussion by Generals Ganeval and Herbert. Howley then said he had had enough discussion for one day and in view of the lateness of the hour and a heavy schedule ahead of him for the next day he was going home and to bed. He said he would leave his deputy who could have the next day off and who could, there [Page 909] fore, remain to listen to the discussion and report to him the next day. He thereupon withdrew.
Colonel Yelisarov began gathering up his papers, at the same time making some rapid statements concerning Colonel Howley, which were not adequately translated in the confusion which ensued. He arose suddenly, shook hands with the other somewhat startled commandants and withdrew with his entire delegation. General Ganeval, the chairman, called after him repeatedly to ask whether he would not stay to discuss the date of the next meeting. Yelisarov halted briefly in the doorway to say “no”. General Ganeval then arose and said that the sitting was terminated, not because of the withdrawal of Colonel Howley who had left his deputy to serve in his place in a perfectly regular manner, but because of the withdrawal of Colonel Yelisarov and the Russian Delegation.
It is impossible to say whether the Soviet action was dictated by pique or whether it represents a decision to capitalize on an incident which could easily be misrepresented in the press as a walkout of the American commandant. It is also not possible to say at present whether this incident can be bridged or whether it represents the final breakup of the Kommandatura. I might add that General Clay who was himself engaged in a meeting with UK and French representatives re currency and tax reform throughout last night is not happy over Howley’s abrupt action.
A report of the substance of the session, which included an agreement to increase rations in Berlin, will follow by airgram.1
Sent Department 1384, repeated London 242, Paris 243, Moscow 219.
- Airgram 506, June 18, from Berlin, not printed (740.00119 Control (Germany)/6–1848).↩