320/11–2051: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Delegation at the United Nations General Assembly 1
Gadel 264. Re Delga 266, Nov 20 (rptd info Bonn 74, Berlin 22, London unn, Moscow unn2). Shld proposal be made by Sovs or other dels for four-power mtg on entire Ger question, Dept believes USDel shld not appear reject it out of hand in view of adverse effect such unqualified rejection wld have on other dels and Gers. In answering such a proposal suggest that USDel point up long history of fruitless Western Allied-Sov negots on Ger question, citing in particular Sov walkouts from Allied Control Council and Allied Kommandatura and more recent Paris deputies mtg where Sovs made it impossible even to agree on an agenda. In view these unfortunate experiences of past, prospects for success any new four-power discussions extremely dubious and we are therefore most reluctant become involved in another protracted four-power mtg which wld in all probability result in failure and wld again raise false hopes and inevitable disappointment in Ger and elsewhere. On other hand, shld Sovs demonstrate by their acts a genuine desire to reach a solution of the Ger problem, the Western Allies might be more inclined to attempt another four-power discussion. There wld be no more fitting way for Sovs to demonstrate their good faith than to support and cooperate in the implementation of res calling for conduct of an impartial investigation. In absence such a demonstration indicating a real change in Sov attitude, Western Allied-Sov negots not likely to contribute to solution Ger problem. Point shld be emphasized that res before GA deals only with limited aspects of Ger problem with view to laying groundwork for broader progress if successful. It shld therefore be pursued without regard to question possible fourpower talks on Ger. After investigation completed wld be time to consider whether four-power action called for.
- This telegram, drafted by Cox and cleared with EUR, UNP, EE, and GPA, was repeated to Bonn, Berlin, London, and Moscow.↩
- Not printed; it requested the Department of State’s views on the line to be taken if the Soviet Union or any other delegation called for or suggested a Four-Power meeting on the entire German question. (320/11–2051)↩