740.00119 Control (Germany)/12–1348: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
top secret
us urgent
us urgent
London, December
13, 1948—7 p. m.
5224. ReDeptel 4605, December 10.1
- 1.
- In company with Secretary Royall, I had today the first opportunity of discussing with Bevin the question of the introduction of the Western mark “B” in the Western sectors of Berlin and the designation of member bank of the Bank Deutsche Laender in Western Berlin.
- 2.
- Bevin said that instructions had been sent to Robertson to commence discussions on this subject with Koenig and Clay, and to arrive at an agreed currency and settle all technical matters in connection with its introduction into the Western sectors of Berlin.2 He understood why we did not favor a third currency and why we felt that the currency for the Western sectors of Berlin should be identified with the currency for the Western zones of Germany.
- 3.
- Discussions referred to in paragraph 2 above will, according to Bevin, commence this week, and the agreement reached in Berlin will be submitted by Robertson for consideration by Bevin here in London.
- 4.
- British Cabinet will not now agree to a specific date on which the currency arrangements are to be put into effect in the Western sectors. Bevin feels the introduction of such a currency should not be undertaken until after the examination and review of the report of the six neutrals has been made and His Majesty’s Government is in a position to determine what, if any, effect it may have upon the Berlin situation.
- 5.
- Bevin told me that the substance of the above had been communicated to Bohlen through McNeil in Paris.
- 6.
- Secretary Royall was present during this meeting.
Sent Department as 5224; repeated Paris as 1029, Berlin as 650.