740.00119 Control (Germany)/9–2648: Circular telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to American Diplomatic and Consular Officers
Mr. Schuman, Mr. Bevin and Mr. Marshall met shortly after noon at the Quai d’Orsay to consider the Soviet Note of September 25, 19481 relating to the situation in Berlin, caused by the imposition and continuance of the Soviet blockade of rail, road and water communications between Berlin and the Western zones of occupation in Germany.
In view of the fact that the Soviet Government in violation of the understanding between the Four Powers has chosen to make public unilaterally its version of these negotiations,2 the three Ministers authorized the following statement: [Page 1187]
“The Governments of France, the United States and the United Kingdom are in agreement that the Soviet note of September 25 is unsatisfactory. The Soviet Government fails to provide the assurance requested in the notes from the three Governments of September 22, 19483 that the illegal blockade measures will be removed. In addition it demands that commercial and passenger traffic between the Western zones and Berlin, by air as well as by rail, water and road, be controlled by the Soviet command in Germany. This demand of the Soviet Government is restated with emphasis in the official communiqué issued in Moscow. Moreover, in regard to currency, the Soviet note is evasive and does not answer the clear position stated by the three Governments.
“Accordingly, the three Governments are transmitting a note4 to the Soviet Government fully setting out their position and informing it that in view of the insistence of the Soviet Government upon maintaining the blockade and upon the institution of restrictions on air communications they are compelled, in compliance with their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations, to refer the matter to the Security Council.”