Editorial Note
In preparation for the Foreign Ministers meeting in London, May 11–43, the Department of State drafted various position papers on Germany and the problem of Berlin, designated by the series indicator FM D E. The paper on Berlin, FM D E–4, was drafted in the Bureau of German Affairs on April 14 and underwent three revisions before being finally cleared as FM D E–4c on May 3. It recomcomended: 1) that steps be taken to maximize governmental procurement in Berlin, 2) that interzonal trade agreements be strictly enforced and safeguards provided in any future trade agreement with the Soviet Zone, 3) that immediate restrictions be imposed on deliveries to the Soviet Zone if restrictions were imposed by it, 4) that the United States should favor, but not press for, the lifting of the suspension of Article 23 of the Basic Law, thus allowing Berlin to become the 12th Land of the Federal Republic, 5) that the Foreign Ministers should publicly state that the Western powers intended to remain in Berlin, and 6) that the Secretary of State should attempt to impress on the British and French the need for maintaining a high level of efficiency in the Berlin garrisons and for coordinating Allied plans and operations there.
On May 12, at the end of their fourth meeting the Foreign Ministers released the following statement on Berlin to the press:
“The three Western Occupation Powers will continue to uphold their rights in Berlin. They are resolved now as in the past to protect the democratic rights of the inhabitants and will cooperate with the German authorities to improve to the utmost the economic position of the three Western sectors. Meanwhile the three governments will continue to seek reunification of the city that Berlin may take its due place in a free and united Germany.”
For the texts of the various drafts of FM D E–4c, see CFM Files: Lot M–88: Box 149: May CFM 1950 E,F,G,H Series. For documentation on the preparation for and deliberations of the Foreign Ministers meeting, including the questions of Berlin and Germany, see volume III, pages 828 ff. For the text of the paper on Berlin, agreed [Page 855] by the Foreign Ministers on May 12, see MIN/TRI/P/14 Final, volume III, page 1091.