740.00119 Control (Germany)/8–2648: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union 1
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1026. For the Ambassador (Eyes Only). You will have seen London’s 3858 rptd to you as 2302 and 3870 rptd to you as 2322 concerning paragraph C. In view of British position, which we are informed French share, you are authorized to accept as initial proposal language suggested by Douglas in his 3858 for this paragraph as follows:
“A satisfactory basis for trade between Berlin and third countries and all zones of Germany to be agreed to by the Military Governors. Modifications of this agreed basis only to be made by agreement by the four Military Governors.”
If Molotov refuses to accept this, you should revert to our draft C (Deptel 10073).
We cannot accept paragraph C (your 17294) as written which would need clarification to take care of points set out in our paragraph C (Deptel 10225).
We are disturbed by impression that British and French are prepared to go too far in order to get quick agreement on directive. We see no reason for haste in view of the very vital issues concerned. There has been a definite crystallization of American public and Congressional opinion over the Berlin issue and any agreement we make which appears to have sold out any of our basic rights in Berlin or Western Germany in exchange for lifting the blockade will be received with violent indignation here. From all reports the country is more unified in its determination not to weaken in the face of the pressure of an illegal blockade than on any other issue we can recall in time of peace.