762A.00/3–2450: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Dunn) to the Secretary of State
1242. The following reflects the views of the meeting on Germany:
The meeting agreed that we should continue with increased pace the implementation of our general policy throughout Western Germany, but with perhaps more emphasis placed upon the counter to the Soviet infiltration and propaganda which is now in the course of increased vigor. In this connection, the protest which is now being formulated against the creation of the East German army should be expedited.1 The draft should be conceived in terms of an initial campaign to deprive Soviet propaganda of exclusive proprietorship of the peace concept and that the Allies are the “warmongers”. We should next repeat on a tripartite governmental level the offer of free elections in Germany on the basis on conditions that we can agree to. The three Western Occupying Powers should reemphasize their joint responsibility and their common unified policy regarding Germany to counter the monolithic facade of Soviet policy and impress on the Western European nations, Western Germany and the Soviets, that the German problem is a joint endeavor of the Western allies.
- 1.
- Inasmuch as substantial indications point to a sustained propaganda attack on Berlin during the spring and summer with the possible objective of a full seizure of the city in view within the next year, and because of the symbolic character of Berlin, it is felt that vigorous and immediate efforts must be made with respect to Berlin. Not only is Berlin important as a symbol of our hold on Germany and indeed perhaps in Western Europe as a whole, but the centering of the Soviet [Page 827] pressure on Berlin offers us what may be an excellent opportunity to set back Soviet policy in a definitive manner.
- 2.
- The meeting agreed that the retention of Berlin was vital to the attainment of US objectives in Europe and that, as a matter of priority, all practical steps necessary to relieve the pressing economic situation in the city should be taken. Funds should be provided, with sufficient flexibility given to the US High Commissioner in the use thereof, to enable him to take prompt and effective measures to oppose Soviet maneuvering in that area.
The meeting agreed that the next meeting of the Ambassadors should be in Berlin, probably in July.2
A tripartite or larger conference on the German refugee and expellee problem should be held to determine the extent of the problem and to investigate how many employables there are, how many could emigrate, who would take them, and how such a program could be financed. Representatives of the German Government should be invited to attend and consult with Allied representatives at this conference. (See paragraph 11 Embtel 1241 March 24.)
The policy of nonrecognition of the East Zone German Government by the nations of Western Europe should be rigidly maintained.
Sent Department 1242, repeated Frankfort 41 for McCloy, Paris 130 for Harriman.
- Documentation relating to the tripartite protest against the creation of an East German Army is scheduled for publication in volume iv.↩
- The location of the July meeting was subsequently changed to Frankfort and then the meeting was cancelled. Documentation on the agenda, including preliminary papers and cables, and assignments for the United States High Commission for Germany, is in CFM Files: Lot M–88: Box 151: Ambassadors’ Conference.↩