CFM Files: Lot M–88: Box 140: Jessup–Malik Conversations
Draft of a Possible Statement To Be Cleared With the British and French and Then Read to Malik 1
top secret
[
Washington
, April 12, 1949.]
- 1.
- Mr. Acheson has given careful consideration to the information conveyed by Mr. Malik to Mr. Jessup on April 10 including the views expressed by Mr. Vishinsky. In accordance with the position indicated [Page 721] by Mr. Jessup to Mr. Malik on April 5, Mr. Acheson has informed Mr. Bevin and Mr. Schuman.
- 2.
- Before proceeding with any formal discussion of arrangements regarding the simultaneous lifting of the restrictions on communications, transportation and trade and a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers, it is necessary to have a clear understanding on certain points which have arisen in the several informal conversations between Mr. Malik and Mr. Jessup.
- 3.
- With regard to the lifting of the restrictions, it would need to be clearly understood that the restrictions to be removed are those imposed since March 1, 1948, on the one hand by the Government of the Soviet Union on communications, transportation and trade between Berlin and the Western zones of Germany, and on the other hand by the three powers on communications, transportation and trade to and from the Eastern zone of Germany.
- 4.
- With regard to the question of the establishment of a Western German Government, it is desirable to repeat the statement made to Mr. Malik by Mr. Jessup on April 5;2 namely: “It is a well-known fact that the three Governments are proceeding with preparations for the establishment of such a Government. These preparations will continue.”
- 5.
- It can be stated in addition that, if a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers is held, the fact of such a meeting will not interrupt or retard these preparations.
- 6.
- On the other hand, the continuation of the preparations for the establishment of a Western German Government will not preclude or contravene any agreement arrived at by the four powers on a government for all Germany.
- 7.
- The exact date on which the Western German Government will be established cannot be determined at this time but preparations for such establishment could scarcely be completed before July 1, 1949.
- 8.
- The Foreign Ministers of the United States, France and the United Kingdom would be available for another meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers upon the conclusion of the necessary prior agreements, but would wish to conclude their personal participation in such a meeting by approximately the end of the first week of June. These prior agreements would deal with the description of the restrictions on communications, transportation and trade to be removed and the date of their removal, and the place, date and agenda for a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers.