740.00119 Control (Germany)/1–1048: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom ( Gallman ) to the Secretary of State
94. Kirkpatrick gave us following comments relative London press reports today of French representations to Bevin on Anglo-American proposals on German Economic Council. Kirkpatrick said Massigli first expressed “surprise” concerning aforementioned proposals during conversation with him on another matter on January 8, but Kirkpatrick felt Massigli left in calm frame of mind on subject. However, Massigli then wrote Sargeant expressing surprise at Anglo-American move in Germany and Kirkpatrick thought this letter was result of French Government communication to Massigli. Kirkpatrick said Bevin saw Massigli yesterday evening. According Kirkpatrick, Bevin at once told Massigli that the nature of the publicity given the Anglo-American action in western Germany had made it appear that final agreement had been reached whereas it was ad referendum agreement subject to final approval by the two governments. (Kirkpatrick added in this connection that Bevin had sent a message to Robertson stating [Page 22] that the character of the publicity had given concern to the Cabinet, and Bevin had pointed out to Robertson that agreement is of ad referendum nature).1 Further, according to Kirkpatrick, it was indicated to Massigli that the agreement itself is not as important as are the results hoped for from it. It was also indicated to Massigli that if the French had got together with the bi-zonal officials the French would have been informed of developments.
Kirkpatrick added that Bevin finally told Massigli that as regards “the issue” in Germany (Kirkpatrick explained Bevin here referred to future western German organization), the British “would have to get on with matters and could not hold things up while the French ruminated on the other side of the fence.”
Sent Department 94, repeated Paris 9, Berlin 2.
- In telegram 91, January 13, from Berlin, not printed, Ambassador Murphy reported that General Robertson had received instructions from his government to the effect that the Frankfurt decisions on bizonal reorganization were considered ad referendum and that he was to undertake conversations with the French in Berlin which would reopen the entire question. Robertson had informed General Clay of these instructions. (740.00119 Control (Germany)/1–1348)↩