740.00119 Control (Germany)/12–849: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State
5164. With reference political relationship Berlin to Federal Republic (Deptel 4705, December 71) French Foreign Office believes no special gesture in regard Berlin necessary on part Allies at this time, since question this relationship regarded as settled for all practical purposes by Chancellor Adenauer’s declarations on subject. In opinion Foreign Office, these declarations plus financial assistance and [Page 434] general cooperation being afforded Berlin by Federal Government and Allies remove any necessity new initiative on part Allies in regard Berlin status.
However, Foreign Office would, if other powers nevertheless desire to take some step at this time, be ready to give its approval to prompt placing in effect of 1948 Berlin Constitution and if US–UK should insist on going farther French would reluctantly be prepared put in effect October 27 recommendation HICOM but only on condition that paragraph b of numbered paragraph two regarding adaptation federal legislation with view to extension federal legislation to Berlin would soon prove itself entirely impracticable in practice and consider, therefore, this provision undesirable and unnecessary.
Sent Department 5164, repeated London 906, Berlin 321, Frankfort 189.
- Not printed, but see footnote 5 to telegram 1027, supra.↩