761.00/5–949: Telegram
The Acting United States Political Adviser for Germany ( Riddleberger ) to the Secretary of State
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1335. In conversation with McCloy yesterday, François-Poncet related his conversation with Chuikov when making courtesy call on September 3. The interview was amiable but exceedingly outspoken. Chuikov declared that present difficulties stemmed from obvious preparations by Western Powers and particularly U.S. for eventual war [Page 375] against Soviet Union. François-Poncet denied this intent and declared that Western Powers had precisely same impression of Soviet policy. Chuikov agreed that this mutual suspicion was important cause of present tension. Chuikov then went on to complain that so little progress had been made since CFM in implementing decisions of that body on Germany. He said that in meetings subsequent to CFM he had little criticism to make of the French attitude, but that the Americans blocked every effort to reach agreements. He cited particularly the failure to make any progress on the unification of Berlin and implied that much more could be done in this regard than had resulted to date. François-Poncet indicated the wide difference in Soviet and Western interpretation of political democracy and thought there had to be a better meeting of the minds before real progress on Berlin was possible. Chuikov replied that Soviet ideas of democracy were also good and that more progress could be made. He intimated he might have more specific ideas to lay before François-Poncet when he returned his call. François-Poncet promised to inform McCloy of any subsequent conversations.