762.00/4–1851: Telegram
The United States High Commissioner for Germany (McCloy) to the Secretary of State 1
8454. PEPCO. Remilitarization plebiscite ball kicked off by Ulbricht and Grotewohl (“remilitarization means war”) over weekend picked up by Commie press here April 16 in front exhortation for all Gers “form at once in all Laender, Kreise, in cities and villages, factories, universities and admins, comites for plebiscite”. Punch lines are “our fatherland again threatened with war”, “against will peace loving people, Ger mil units being organized and armaments production being started again”, and “remilitarization means war but demilitarization means peace and happy future.” Plebiscite question is, as originally posed Essen Congress Jan 28, “are you against remilitarization Ger and for conclusion peace treaty with Ger in 1951?” Peace treaty theme developed in promise treaty means withdrawal all occ troops.
Seems clear that Sovs/GDR have now launched long awaited plebiscite campaign, that crescendoing timetable tentatively fixed, and that, as Berlin points out (Berlin’s 1290, sent Frankfort 1455 rptd Paris unn2), strong probability is simultaneous East and West Ger plebiscite, possible early as May 15. We obviously confronted with major propaganda campaign, features of which will, as with earlier Grotewohl initiative, be combination intimidation and sweet reasonableness. Suspect Sov mil maneuver’s, now commencing along interzonal border, will be utilized exploit West Ger fears psychologically appropriate intervals. However, non Commie press to date giving minimal attention to Commie anti-remilitarization campaign and to plebiscite itself.
Problem combatting plebiscite poses dilemma and imponderable of susceptibility of West Gers. We see difficulties in mtg plebiscite head on in that we not in position now make public definitive program for Ger defense contribution and thus confront Gers with what, under proper circumstances and perhaps somewhat later on wld no doubt be more acceptable alternative. On other hand, consistent campaign of exposure, ridicule, etc runs risk of magnifying importance plebiscite, which may not as was case “Stockholm appeal”,3 make any appreciable headway. It might also encourage SPD demand for new elections before deciding Ger defense issue. Nevertheless, we fear doing nothing, lest campaign catch on, improve Sov bargaining position Paris and [Page 1768] CFM, and leave impression with Gers we are impotent re issue which fey associate with Allied policy. Our present plan is discuss subj with Gers, explore possibility tripartite HICOM statement exposing plebiscite, encourage Ger press give plebiscite silent treatment and plan full scale exposure campaign to be launched if considered necessary basis general Ger reponse to Commie efforts.
Will advise further and meanwhile wld appreciate your views. Considered unilaterally, but rejected, possibility suspending Commie papers printing exhortation to plebiscite on ground security interests not violated. As Dept aware, we have previously decided to recommend banning plebiscite itself only as last resort.
- Repeated Berlin, Bonn, Paris for Jessup, London, and Moscow.↩
- Not printed.↩
- For documentation on the World Peace Congress at Stockholm in May 1950, see Foreign Relations, 1950, vol. iv, pp. 261 ff.↩