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

962A.61/2–1051: Telegram

The United States High Commissioner for Germany ( McCloy ) to the Secretary of State ¹

secret

Frankfurt , February 10, 1951—6 p. m.

6649. Re suggestion contained in Deptel 5435, February 8, repeated London 3694, Paris 4121,² as Department is aware considerable number German political leaders have expressed doubts as to wisdom of announcing revision of Occupation Statute at this time, pointing out that its concessions are so minor with relation to present plans for German defense contribution and contractual relations that promulgation now would have bad effect on public opinion. Nevertheless, abandonment at present time of New York decisions would not, in our opinion, be regarded by Germans as fresh initiative and would deepen sense of uncertainty as to US intentions. German opinion is already confused by variety of interpretations placed on Eisenhower statements and conflicting reports of Allied intentions which on balance have not proved helpful. This confusion would be further augmented by shift in tactics at this time.

Furthermore, implementation of New York decisions is linked in German opinion with debt assurances for which HICOM has been pressing. We feel it is important to continue to insist that Germans on their part realize they must accept obligations as well receive benefits. To drop the New York decisions at this late date, particularly in view of progress made in past two weeks re debt assurances, would, we fear, paralyze these negotiations and render eventual solution more difficult.

Furthermore, French insistence that we proceed with New York decisions before making progress on contractual relations raises great doubt proposal will be acceptable to Quai d’Orsay. British are likewise insistent that revision Occupation Statute be made effective before Brussels decisions can be implemented.

If announcement of revised statute is accompanied by declaration of intention to proceed with negotiations with Germans embracing wider field of defense contribution and contractual relations, it seems possible to avoid any sense of disillusionment on part of Germans or interpretation that this what we are giving for German defense.

Byroade concurs.³

McCloy

1. Repeated to London and Paris.
2. Ante, p. 1412.
3. Byroade was in Frankfurt for a meeting of Western European Ambassadors. For documentation on this meeting, see volume iv .