762.00/4–150: Telegram
The Director of the Berlin Element, HICOG (Page) to the Office of the United States High Commissioner for Germany, at Frankfort1
priority
562. In evidence [evident] defensive reaction to U.S. and Bonn proposals promote unification of Germany through free elections, Soviet Zone “Democratic Bloc” March 29 issued “unanimously adopted declaration.” This given biggest headlines first page entire Soviet sector Berlin press except CDU Neue Zeit where page 2.
Statement opens with familiar review alleged sins Western Allied Germany policy and pictures asserted sufferings of West German people. Bonn now claimed attempting divert popular attention from foregoing by adopting McCloy free election proposal. Latter merely to maneuver East Germany into American subjugation with end “democratic” Soviet Zone reforms. Peoples Congress demanded free all-Germany elections 1948 but West’s answer then was creation separate state, and Occupation, Ruhr, and Security statutes. If Adenauer and Schumacher wish unification, they must fight for elimination these statutes, conclusion peace treaty, withdrawal occupation troops, and restoration Saar as well, and demand introduction Soviet Zone reforms in West Germany. Only then will free elections be possible. East German parties fighting for such goals in national front and will carry out free elections October 15 in this spirit. People will be able vote for these vital questions and all parties must propagandize people these issues. “October elections will thus be convincing acknowledgment of people for own great cause, and thus be in truest sense of word free elections for all Germany.”
Apparently significant that Soviets feel obliged continue attempt answer election issue raised West Germany since this confirms reports Soviet Zone contacts that theme is important topic conversation populace. Noteworthy that despite greater publicity this organized Soviet Zone “answer,” no fundamentally new line offered beyond initial reaction early March. Communists seem forced ignore implicit Adenauer offer scrap Bonn Constitution and perhaps Occupation Statute in favor letting German people freely decide government desired. Frankfurt’s 2605 to Department, repeated London 144, Paris 227, March 282 correctly calls this crucial point “true dynamic” Bonn proposals which should be identified with position Western powers.
Some possibility exists March 29 Bloc declaration may be first item new Soviet timetable in which next step will be Soviet take up bloc statement as basis concrete proposal Western Allies re unification. U.S. overt Neue Zeitung reporter states West Berlin journalist friend [Page 617] chanced overhear remark by Norden, Soviet Zone Government Information Office Press Chief on March 22, day Bonn all-Germany election proposal came over teletype. Norden reportedly stated “they just want to beat us to it before April 15.” Journalist not sure remark occasioned by news Federal Republic proposal but believes it may have relation thereto. Haste in establishing national front committees (Berlin’s despatch 21, January 123) explainable if April 15 is date on which national front congress will announce all-Germany elections.
Recall that intelligence source reported before Christmas (my telegram 311 December 12 to Frankfurt, repeated Department 1571, London 482, Moscow 156, Paris 2583) that Soviet Control Commission intended make proposal all-Germany elections. CIC commented today that proposal was to be statement by Soviet Zone Government “President.” However, no recent confirmation and only uncertain connection with Norden’s remark, if latter even referred to all-Germany elections.
Possibly a Soviet reply to West’s proposals would be more effective than statements given out until now through German Communists. Soviets might propose end Occupation Statute, etc. as prerequisites to elections and announce offer peace treaty and troop withdrawal letting East and West Germans settle unification by themselves perhaps via all-Germany elections to national front congress. Desirability early determination U.S. and Allied position emphasized by possibility some positive Soviet initiative near future.
Sent Frankfort 562 rptd Dept 466 London 26 Paris 131 Moscow 21.