862.00/3–549: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser for Germany (Murphy) to the Secretary of State
331. Conflicting reports have reached Berlin re Soviet Zone CDU leader Nuschke’s activities at Bonn additional those reported Bremen’s [Page 221] telegram 43, March 3.1 UP reports Nuschke, in private interview, stated he came to “talk peace plan.” This plan is similar to plan recently reported in Berlin West-licensed press as official Communist plan for Germany but subsequently reported as being originated by local nerve doctor Frau Korn (SED). Elements of both plans are:
- (1)
- Immediate withdrawal of British and French occupying troops from Germany.
- (2)
- Withdrawal US and Soviet troops to Germany’s eastern and western frontiers.
- (3)
- Central Government established in Berlin for all Germany.
- (4)
- New single currency for all Germany. DPD dispatch same date from Bonn reports Nuschke denies advancing above peace plan while at Bonn, but UP sticks by its story.
Although difficult to determine which, if either, of above reports accurate, timing of Nuschke’s trip indicates at least one purpose is to instill doubt in minds Western German leaders re advisability proceeding with plans for prompt establishment West German Government by implanting fear of possible 4-power agreement on all Germany. Also significant is fact that trip coincides with difficult point in Western allied German development of governmental structure, i.e., presentation of Military Governments criticisms of Bonn constitution and shortly prior to announcement Occupation Statute terms. Although effect in West of trip so far appears to be slight, fear of certain West German leaders that ground may be cut from under them by Allies is a real one. To judge from Nuschke–Adenauer conversation, further consideration is desire to convince West Germans that bourgeois parties have real part to play in Germany’s future and create impression such is case in Soviet zone.
Although Nuschke’s trip obviously made with knowledge if not support of Soviet authorities, it is significant that practically no mention of it as yet in Soviet-licensed press. Presumably latter awaiting indication whether trip at all successful before giving it attention which might indicate it has Soviet authorities’ official blessing. Only attention to date in Soviet-licensed press was photograph in Berliner Zeitung March 4 of Nuschke and Adenauer quaffing beer together.
We shall continue to follow Nuschke’s activities and report any developments of interest.2
[Page 222]Sent Department 331; repeated Moscow 48; London 148; Paris 135; Frankfurt 11; pouched Bremen.
- Not printed; in it Altaffer reported that Nuschke and Adenauer had conferred for two hours on March 1. According to Adenauer, Nuschke had defended the Russians, saying that the eastern zone CDU expected to do well in the elections which were to be scheduled soon. Nuschke also entreated Adenauer to appeal to the occupying powers to get together on the German question, and intimated that the Russians would consider the inclusion of Berlin in the new West German state as a cause for war. (740.00119 Control (Germany)/3–349)↩
- In telegram 49, March 7, from Bremen, not printed, Altaffer reported further on Nuschke’s visit, particularly that Adenauer felt Nuschke had been sent by the Soviet Military Administration to prevent or attempt to disturb the progress toward consolidating Western Germany. (862.00/3–749)↩