396.1–ISG/3–1551: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Office of the United States High Commissioner for Germany, at Frankfurt1
secret
Washington, March
15, 1951—1 p. m.
6218. Dept has considered future US radio broadcast operations in Ger fol US position:
- 1.
- US will continue its broadcast operations at Munich (ARBIE) and Berlin (RIAS).
- 2.
- US will proceed negotiate contractual agreement with Fed Rep in which Fed Rep recognizes right of US to continue its broadcast and associated operations in Ger. This may be separate agreement or part of Cultural Convention. Willingness of US to negotiate contractual agreement in no way prejudices US determination to continue present position outlined in (1).
- 3.
- US position in ISG will be to return frequency authority to Fed Rep only if Fed Rep agrees to arrangements outlined in (2) and concurs use of frequencies by US required by operations outlined in (2).
- 4.
- US will be prepared offer Ger technical, material, and program assistance and will endeavor assist Ger in internatl negots in communications field. Offer of such assistance is possible bargaining point in negots under (6).
- 5.
- US will continue use sites Munich and Berlin and will proceed with arrangements for use of property.
- 6.
- US will negotiate, if advisable with Ger Radio Corporations, for relays of VOA Ger language programs.
- 7.
- US will continue AFN under security provisions of Civil Affairs agreement.
- 8.
- US will obtain, by agreement with Fed Rep, right for RFE to continue broadcasting.
Above position based on firm conviction of Dept that US is in a strong bargaining situation due to fact occupying powers are now returning to Ger substantial measure of sovereignty.
Detailed instrs for overall negots in line with above position to be drafted in Dept. Meantime representative IBD will travel Ger for consultation HICOG and assist preliminary talks attempt obtain voluntary agreements VOA relays interim period. Details trip follow.
Acheson
- Repeated to London.↩