Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, Central and Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume IV

762A.00/10–2250: Circular telegram

The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Offices ¹

confidential   niact

Washington, October 22, 1950—6 p. m.

Circ. 69. While ultimate purpose of Prague communiqué and gen frame of reference subject further study, opinion here that pattern set by Berlin elections,² Moscow note re German “remilitarization”³ and Prague communiqué permits immediate conclusion that major attempt on foot by Sov-Commie front to recoup polit and propaganda initiative, to confuse public opinion in Western Germany and Europe with respect to true record of US intentions and to create serious psychological and polit handicaps to execution of decisions reached at NY CFM. Nature and timing of communiqué in conjunction with other measures attests to importance attached by Moscow to impact of NY conference. On other hand, effectiveness of Sov-Commie line of argumentation must not be underrated in view of confused and disunited public opinion in Germany and France, particularly with respect to defense issue.

Pending further clarification of decision re treatment of latest Moscow note and Prague communiqué by US and possibly other powers, and pending final action on UN resolution concerning Big Five talks, media shld factually acknowledge communiqué and expose Sov-Commie confusion tactics simply through sober and forceful recapitulation of US and tripartite record. Treatment shld be focused on very issues which Sov and satellite FonMins claim exclusively to champion, namely reestablishment of Ger unity, econ rehabilitation, peace treaty, implementation of previous quadripartite agreements. Reference shld be made, among others, to fol:

1. US statements at sixth session CFM Paris May, June 1949.

2. McCloy’s statement Jan 3, 1950.

3. Communiqué FonMins London May 14, 1950.

4. Communiqué of NY CFM, Sep 19, 1950.

5. Ltr of Allied High Commissioners to Chuikov in support of Bonn Bundestag Resolution Sep 14, 1950.

6. Statement by Secy at press conference Oct 20.⁴

In presenting the record, media shld avoid any defensive overtone. On the contrary shld point out that Moscow note and Prague communiqué have character of defending Sov-Commie record of inaction through reversing of issues.

Furthermore, Sov-Commie attack of tripartite decisions at NY CFM requires no refutation at this time beyond statement that decisions are simply result of consistent refusal by USSR to respond affirmatively and constructively to US and tripartite proposals. In view of proven record of Sov obstructionism US and Western powers had choice of no other course but to proceed with creation of free and economically viable Germany secure against internal and external aggression.

Point out that, as before, US stands ready to join forces in this effort with all who are sincere in their desire to contribute to the unification, rehabilitation of Germany, guaranteeing to Germans respect for their laws and fundamental liberties and who are willing to help achieve this aim by deeds and not by propaganda.

Acheson

1. The source text, addressed to the U.S. High Commissioner for Germany (McCloy), at Frankfort, was designated “Niact for Cox, PubAff”. F. Gardner Cox, Jr., was Public Affairs Officer of the Progress and Policy Branch, HICOG. A notation on the source text indicates that the telegram was sent to 29 posts.
2. For documentation on elections in the Soviet Zone of Germany, see pp. 942 ff.
3. Regarding the Soviet note of October 19 on German “remilitarization”, see the editorial note, p. 951.
4. For the texts of the several U.S. statements on Germany at the Paris Council of Foreign Ministers, see Foreign Relations, 1949, vol. iii, pp. 1040 ff. At his press conference on January 3, 1950, McCloy had stated, “we are and always have been in favor of free elections for all of Germany, Berlin included.” (Bonn Embassy Files, McCloy Project: Lot 311: Box 356: D (50)5a). For the texts of the Foreign Ministers London and New York communiqués, see vol. iii, pp. 1106 and 1296; regarding the letter to Chuikov, see telegram 2791, October 3, p. 663. Secretary Acheson’s statement reads as follows: “The world has just witnessed the spectacle of the election fraud staged in the Soviet zone of Germany. Our sympathy goes out to the East German people who have been treated in such a contemptuous and humiliating fashion by their oppressors.” Department of State Bulletin, October 30, 1950, p. 695.