462A. 62B 31/9–1951: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Office of the United States High Commissioner for Germany, at Frankfurt1

secret   priority
niact

1932. Reurtel niact 2532, rptd info Bonn 140, Berlin 145, Paris 178, Moscow 24, London 192.2

A. Dept seriously concerned course of action outlined reftel:

1.
It is not at all certain as yet conditions attached to sig are acceptable to East. Mere absence objections on part of Orlopp at time signing wld not, in Dept’s view, clearly signify his acceptance of conditions.
2.
In event it later becomes nec to suspend agmt, Western position wld appear weak in absence written statement to East Gers of conditions FedRep attaches to signature and to continued implementation of agmt.

B. Consequently, Dept feels strongly, agmt shld not be signed unless

1.
Orlopp’s acceptance of conditions attached by West to sig agmt is clear (whether written or oral);
2.
FedRep statement to Orlopp at time of sig be made in writing.

C. Suggest this be discussed with McCloy, who was present at FonMins discussion this subj.

Webb
  1. This telegram, drafted by Rogers and cleared by Lewis, Calhoun and Riley, was repeated to Bonn, Berlin, Paris, London, and Moscow.
  2. Supra.