762.00/4–650: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Office of the United States High Commissioner for Germany, at Frankfort
2352. For McCloy from Byroade. In addition to steps that may be taken by FonMins to facilitate long-term solution of Ger problem, which we consider most important at this stage, we are now considering what specific measures cld be taken which wld help situation in Ger in immed future and strengthen your hand in coming summer months during which local tensions seem bound increase. Purpose this msg is to obtain your independent analysis of steps which might be taken by Mins. Bear in mind that when we speak of long-term solutions we include not only integration of Ger in West but also steps which may be taken to advocate or effect Ger unity. Apart from these matters, we incline to believe that FonMins themselves cannot reach many decisions on specific items at this time which will be helpful as public announcements. It must be remembered too that 3 Mins will probably meet for only 3 days on all subjects.
In this connection we have studied Rome’s 1242, Mar 24.1 As seen from here it appears that fields in which consideration shld be given for such action wld include fol:
- 1.
- Berlin. In view of expected difficulty in Berlin this summer perhaps Mins shld issue declaration of our determination to remain in Berlin. While such statements have been made many times in past a formal declaration by all three FonMins might be effective. It shld of [Page 620] course include strong statement of our interest in and our continuing support of Western Berliners. It wld be well to couple with this declaration some specific step going beyond simple declaration of support. We might consider this the time to persuade Fr to join us in declaring cessation of suspension of Berlin as twelfth land. This wld probably be most effective step possible in polit field.
- Do you have any ideas on anything which cld be done by Mins on question of free access to Berlin?
- In econ field Mins may be able make some announcement affecting procurement in Berlin. Problem here wld seem to be advance preparation so that Mins’ statement wld not be idle words but that real progress cld be made in European purchases in Berlin following this statement. In this field we shld consider possibility of declaration by North Atlantic Treaty Council instead of three Mins, as this might be more effective if it cld be obtained in such a way as to have real meaning.
- 2.
- Communist Youth Rally. It might be well to consider whether Mins shld make any special reference to coming youth demonstration Berlin. If preparations continue of nature that makes violence real possibility, wld you consider it at all desirable that some advance communication shld be sent by the three Govts to United Nations? It may be well to be clearly on record before world opinion in advance of event if real violence is possibility. We might also study possibility of asking UN send neutral observers to Berlin during month of May.
- 3.
- Refugee Situation. No really effective step has yet come to mind. However, since this problem seems to be of such fundamental importance to Europe that Mins shld probably discuss, we will continue to strive for positive suggestions that Secy might make in this connection. We must be careful on this subject not to make announcements of formation of a tripartite or internatl body to tackle problem unless some results can be foreseen.
- 4.
- Internatl Orgs. While further announcement shld probably not be made on this subject as decision was made and announced last Nov2 it may be well for you, if you have not already done so, to analyze how much the delay on this has been due to Ger inability to move forward rapidly and how much is due to matters under control of Allies. We believe that tripartite consideration must be given to resolving some of internatl legal questions involved. We are preparing paper this subject.
- 5.
- Federal Republic Econ Situation. Both Bevin and Schuman have expressed desire discuss this topic. We do not know what aspects of problem they wish discuss. We ourselves feel that exchange views cld appropriate take place in preparatory talks, but do not see advantage in Mins getting into detailed discussions. Question is what policy issues can be raised which can facilitate your work. We wld of course wish to avoid discussions that might lead to recommendation that HICOM intervene more vigorously in internal Ger affairs or to any public statement that might be construed as reflection on Fed Rep. On other hand, conceivable that discussions might result in recognition gravity econ situation and in gen instr to HICOM to conduct affairs in security and polit fields so as to minimize burden on Ger economy. [Page 621] Gen principle along such lines shld serve to strengthen your hands in dealing with subjs like liberalization trade, shipbuilding for export, etc.
- 6.
- Saar. In event of some major advance at this mtg toward effective integration of Ger in a strengthened Western community, it might be desirable or feasible to reopen question of basic Fr policy towards Saar in an attempt to persuade Fr to adopt some new policy such as promise of plebiscite at time of final peace settlement.
Above represents only tentative thinking and none of above steps have been decided upon or cleared here. It is presented at this stage in effort to aid in your analysis and recommendations. It is aimed only at those items which might furnish additional support and confidence in short run and omits other items we will have to discuss, such as Ruhr Authority relationship with HICOM. If we cld couple some of these short range steps with progress on larger picture this package might prove extremely effective in coming months.
Request your gen recommendations on steps above well as on any others you may have in mind. [Byroade.]
- Vol. iii, p. 826.↩
- For documentation on the decision of the three Foreign Ministers at Paris in November 1949, to allow the Federal Republic to join various international organizations, see Foreign Relations, 1949, vol. iii, pp. 477 ff.↩