862.00/12–949: Circular Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Diplomatic Officers in All the American Republics Except Panama
It has been reliably reported from Germany that two representatives of the Sov sponsored govt of East Germany (German Democratic [Page 545] Republic) named Erich Groel and Hermann Levy have recently been sent by air to Latin America with instructions to negotiate with certain unspecified South American govts for recognition of East German state and further to prepare for exchange of diplomatic representatives.
Among the other agreements reached at Paris Nov 11 between British, French, US Foreign Ministers was decision to avoid any expressed or implied recognition of so-called Ger Dem Rep as govt de facto or de jure. Was also agreed implement this policy by making representations other govts Western Europe if necessary. Though Latin American govts not specifically mentioned, obvious that same considerations apply, and we understand British have already instructed their missions Latin America make approaches to respective foreign offices this connection. Suggest you ascertain from British colleague what action he has already taken.
Please arrange personal interview at highest level FonOff, and present aide-mémoire stating US holds most firmly view that so-called Ger Dem Rep established in Sov Zone Occupation is without legal or moral foundation,1 and that US, believing local govt doubtless holds similar view, hopes local govt will take no action which might be construed as giving de facto or de jure recognition to East German Govt.
Presentation of aide-mémoire may be accompanied by revelation of our info that East German representatives on way to South America, and by whatever oral representations may, in your view, best serve end of frustrating efforts of East-German agents. We suppose that in most cases most effective line will be that bid by Ger Dem Rep for recognition obviously less a German development than another thinly veiled Sov effort extend Communist influence through satellite action.
Would appreciate information regarding local FonOff reaction your representations and all available info re Groel and Levy and their activities if and when they appear your area.2
Copies this circular, by air to Frankfort, Berlin, London, Paris for info.
- At this point in the source text the following phrase had been deleted before transmission: “being based neither on international agreement nor on the free will German people expressed through democratic elective process. Aide-mémoire should state further.”↩
- The replies to this circular telegram in file 862.00/12–1049 indicate that none of the other American Republics contemplated recognizing the “German Democratic Republic”.↩