Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, European Security and the German Question, Volume III, Part 2

398.10–GDC/11–1651: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Office of the United States High Commissioner for Germany,¹ at Frankfurt²

secret

Washington, November 21, 1951—7:28 p. m.

3124. Re Bonn’s 396 Nov 16 rptd Frankfort 481, Berlin 78, Paris 163, London 135, Moscow 26³ and other msgs on interzonal trade. 1. Dept unclear as to exact movement of goods between FedRep–West Berlin and Sov Zone between now and Nov 30, but assumes there will be no substantial trade thereafter. Pls confirm and indicate nature and estimated volume any continued IZT. We concur your belief that to effect trade embargo as completely and as soon as possible remains our best move at this time, since it provides maximum economic pressure which can be exerted from within Ger. We agree with opinion present situation might have been considerably improved if complete cessation of goods movements from Western Germany to Sov Zone had been achieved for longer period during summer and fall. We tend toward opinion that under present circumstances such cessation wld be likely to bring about removal Sov restrictions unless high level Sov decision had been made to proceed with full blockade regardless econ and political consequences.

FYI, we are prepared to give you strong support with Br and Fr FonOffs to bring about embargo or to maintain it once established, and HICOG is authorized to take any steps it considers necessary and advisable to effect trade cessation. We will cable shortly re your desire approach other Western countries in this regard.

2. We are not inclined accept theory expressed earlier that Sovs doubt Allied intentions carry out IZT agmt even if all Eastern restrictions lifted. In view this possibility, however, and in view gen FedRep and Fr softness this point, useful purpose cld perhaps be served by having Berlin CMDTs inform Sovs in writing concurrently with or immed after complete stoppage of trade along fol lines:

a. Allies and FedRep are prepared and intend permit implementation IZT agmt except as Sovs or East Gers may create situation rendering this impossible;

b. Failure of East to permit free trade and traffic between West Sectors of Berlin and FedRep and foreign countries has created situation in which IZT agmt cannot be implemented, due to necessity of protecting economies of West Sectors of Berlin and FedRep.

Purpose suggested letter wld be present above information re Allied intentions directly to Sovs but not to inaugurate quadripartite discussions. Transmittal proposed letter shld not lag behind embargo imposition to extent that Sovs cld first retaliate or cld misconstrue letter as overture stemming from weakness. Suggest letter not be released to press unless subsequent developments make this desirable.

3. We agree position Berlin’s tel to Bonn 353 Nov 13⁴ that we shld in no event take initiative for quadripartite talks at this time. Shld Sovs take initiative in proposing talks, we believe nature approach, timing and circumstances wld have to determine Western response and Dept wld reserve judgment until such eventuality arises.

4. Pls give Dept your reaction suggested letter soonest.

Webb

1. McCloy was in Paris for discussions with the Western Foreign Ministers on Germany; for reports on their meetings on November 21 and 22, see pp. 1312 ff.
2. This telegram, drafted by Rogers and Montenegro and cleared with Lewis, Calhoun, WE, BNA, and EDS, was repeated to Bonn, Berlin, Paris, London, and Moscow.
3. Not printed; but see footnote 7, supra.
4. Not printed.