711.60F/2–2848: Telegram
The Ambassador in Czechoslovakia (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
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247. In light of rapidity with which the extremist elements in the Ministries of National Defense, Interior and Information have sealed the frontier against all movements excepting heavy movement in and out of freight on which the economy of the country depends, and are already accusing members of our staff of plots, espionage and aid to the reaction, threatening to expel our newspaper correspondents, menacing the premises of the USIS library, etc the Department may wish to give serious consideration to suggesting to General Clay1 that all freight shipments into or out of Czechoslovakia through the American zone of occupation be “temporarily suspended pending a clarification of the position of the Czechoslovak Government.” If this action is taken it should be initiated by our military authorities in Germany and in no way attributed to or associated with the Embassy. I am firmly convinced that the temporary stoppage of all freight movements by rail or barge between Czechoslovakia and the American zone including freight in transit, would constitute a shock of such dimensions to the new Cabinet which meets for first time on March 2 as to bring them to their senses. Any affirmative measure less than our entire weight will be regarded as a sign of weakness. Furthermore if this step is taken it should be taken immediately so as to avoid the appearance of calculated retaliation but rather appear to be an administrative reaction to Czechoslovak action in closing frontier.2
Please pass immediately to Army.
- Gen. Lucius D. Clay, Commanding General, United States Forces in Europe and Military Governor for Germany.↩
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Telegram 230, March 2, to Praha, replied to this message as follows:
↩“After careful weighing proposed temporary suspension freight shipments into and out of Zecho through US zone Germany, we conclude this step inadvisable.” (711.60F/2–2848)