740.5/12–1151: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State 1
2690. 1. Roberts called Holmes to FonOff late yesterday for fill-in on last week’s discussions with Adenauer. He confirmed our impression that visit was successful and very useful in its principal object of promoting [Page 1613] goodwill, and noted that many MP’s not necessarily sympathetic to Ger reacted favorably to Chancellor when he addressed them. Adenauer held up well under full schedule and was particularly adroit in answering and parrying difficult press questions (e.g., on Ger membership in NATO; “He who goes softly, goes safely”).
2. Adenauer had been concerned re possible “deal” with Soviets at Ger expense. Churchill assured him that “even to avoid war” he wld not make a deal with Soviets without close consultation with Ger Govt. Adenauer expressed gratification at this assurance.
PriMin added it was his wish to establish “tolerable relations” with Soviet Union. He had mused for some time on reason for that country’s continued hostility to other nations and had come to conclusion that present Soviet Govt “feared our friendship more than our enmity”.
3. Adenauer told Churchill that many Europeans were wondering why “father of Eur idea” appeared now to adopt stand-offish attitude. Churchill replied that his intention had been to foster firm Franco-Ger friendship with Brit assistance. Chancellor said he understood Brit position and did not press for change. He did however express hope that if various plans for Eur integration can be made to work Brit will at some future date become closely associated with them.
Adenauer was asked whether any Brit statement of [or?] “push” might help EDC negots over present rough spots. Reply was negative, with caution that participants cld probably best settle current difficulties among themselves.
4. Chancellor said in strict confidence that integration of West Ger into West Eur was prerequisite to Ger unification. When integration accomplished then unification wld be possible. He eld not state this openly because it wld be seized on by his political enemies as indication that he opposed unification. Churchill expressed entire agreement with this position.
5. Adenauer raised question of war criminals in Brit custody and said that he wld like to take something positive on this subj back to Ger. To satisfy this request, he was told that proposal was being put to Cabinet that war criminals be given credit for time they had served prior to their trials. This wld mean immed release of approx 30 of about 200 now in custody. (For background see Embdes 2225 of Nov 14.2) Adenauer was given “off the record” info on Brit proposal that future clemency cases be decided by three-man board (one Allied rep, one Ger, one neutral). This appeared satisfactory, Chancellor said, if neutral was chairman. Roberts informed Holmes that neutral chairman wld probably be acceptable to UK.
[Page 1614]6. Brit raised question of compensation to Jews who frequently present their cases at FinOff. Adenauer said he had seen Jewish reps in London “on the side” and thought some solution cld be worked out.