740.00119 Council/6–1949: Telegram
Tlie United States Member at the Council of Foreign Ministers (Acheson) to the Acting Secretary of State
Delsec 1900. In agreement with my Western colleagues we arranged a secret meeting this evening1 of the four Ministers for the purpose [Page 1008] of bringing up the question of the Berlin railway workers strike. At the meeting, I said that it was not my purpose to go into the causes or responsibilities for the origin and development of the strike but to inquire whether the Ministers could be helpful in finding a solution. I emphasized that the information put out by the Soviet-licensed press and radio had cast doubt on the understanding which it was believed had been arrived at between General Howley and the Soviet Commandant2 with the result that the strikers by an overwhelming vote had decided against returning to work. This situation made it extremely difficult to hope for progress in the development of an understanding regarding the German problem. I inquired whether Vishinsky might wish to suggest ways and means of arriving at a prompt and satisfactory solution. Bevin spoke at length along similar lines and Schuman indicated approval of this effort to arrive at a solution of a vexing problem.
Vishinsky professed surprise and some irritation that the question of the Berlin strike should be brought up at this late stage in the present meeting. The strike was organized in the American sector and was not the responsibility of the Soviet authorities. Speaking for himself, he did not approve of strikes and he noted that no measure had been taken by the American authorities to suppress it such as jailing those persons who are responsible. Much damage had been caused by the strike. He could not confirm or deny any offer which might have been made by the Reichsbahndirektion but had heard of an offer of 60 percent payment of wages in West marks. He had no authority to undertake negotiations on this subject but did offer to put the question to Moscow.
This conversation with Vishinsky brought out in sharp relief the Soviet attitude toward trade unions and the principle of strike as well as the exceedingly narrow latitude enjoyed by Vishinsky. At the end of the meeting it was agreed to meet again Thursday afternoon at which time it is hoped that Vishinsky may have received additional instructions from his government.
- The meeting took place on June 15 at 6 p. m. at the Quai d’Orsay. The minutes of the meeting are in CFM Files: Lot M–88: Box 142: Private Meetings.↩
- Under reference here is General Howley’s statement to the Berlin railroad workers that the Reichsbahn management was prepared to pay them 60 percent of their wages in West marks.↩