762.00/10–1551: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State 1
niact
[Received October 15, 1951—9:09 a. m.]
1828. Altho appreciating that we have every right to issue statement today in connection with release exchange letters Adenauer–HICOM re Ger unity, I consider that for fol reasons it wld be unwise for us to do so (Deptel 2019, October 4, rptd Paris 2206, Bonn 138, Frankfort 2401, Moscow 270, Berlin 158,2 and previous msgs on subj).
1. To proceed unilaterally in question which public mind is one of tripartite interest, might well give impression of weakening united front and therefore encourage Sov to divisive tactics.
2. Unilateral action by us in this instance might set precedent for similar action by either Brit or Fr or more likely both acting together on other Ger questions which may arise in future. I have particularly in mind the delicate negotiations now being carried on at Bonn re contractual arrangements.
3. It wld be interpreted by Brit and presumably by Fr as well as further evidence of what they feel is our tendency to act hastily and without regard for their wishes, to possible detriment our overall relationship with them.
4. HICOM letter wld seem to satisfy immed need for statement tripartite attitude on subj insofar Adenauer’s Bundestag requirements concerned. In circumstances, might it not be preferable to hold statement in reserve as further ammunition shld need develop, and meanwhile give us time to try to persuade Brit and Fr to idea of tripartite statement.
5. Event the Brit do not propose issue statement, fact that we do so will necessarily place them in position of endorsing what we say because of tripartite responsibility in matter and hence indirectly inject subj into election campaign, which as we have pointed out is very thing Morrison wishes to avoid.